In the Japanese anime Mazinger Z, the super robot has a weapon that launches from its forearm. In 2025 and beyond, some humans may also have this capability. Well, not as a weapon, and it does not launch like the grandaddy of super robots—and also not the whole forearm, obviously.
However, the hand of the new Hero Arm, an advanced bionic prosthetic from Open Bionics, can continue to operate even when it’s not physically attached to the user. Billed as the world’s first wireless bionic arm, the new Hero Arm uses wireless myoelectric sensors to detect muscle activity, translating it into precise hand movements across various grip modes.
Like the original we saw in 2019, it’s lightweight—possibly the lightest in the industry—and 3D-printed. It’s also waterproof and highly customizable to match both the aesthetic and functional needs of the user.
Exactly how the tech company pulled off the Addams Family’s Thing trick is not disclosed. Oh, and yes—it can claw with its digits. But no, it can’t skitter across the floor like Thing. That would be too much power.
For now, details on this next-gen limb remain elusive. We heard it isn’t cheap, though. Each Hero Arm commands around 20,000 quid, which is around US$26,626 based on the current going rate.
Story via Instagram (@futuretech).
