Once again, I am excited to share with you some news about another inventor, who just recently made headlines with a breakthrough medical technology that will make life better for amputees. He and his company have come up with a new bionic prosthetic arm that is far more sophisticated and functional than any other similar device now on the market.
Dean Kamen and his team at DEKA Research and Development, based in New Hampshire, have scored a huge success with this one. Their accomplishment is particularly impressive in this amazing future world of the 21st century. As I’ve said before, there are so many fantastic new devices out there, it would seem that there is no longer anything left to invent.
As an inventor myself, I am always ready to applaud others who use their ingenuity and creativity with the goal of improving our quality of life. And, indeed, that is what Kamen and company have done.
If you would like to view an excellent video on this breakthrough, there is a report that was recently produced by Katie Couric, who is, I understand, an award-winning journalist and best-selling author. You may see her report at http://news.yahoo.com/katie-couric-interviews-bionic-arm-inventor-185134268.html
Dean Kamen and his team at DEKA Research and Development, based in New Hampshire, have scored a huge success with this one. Their accomplishment is particularly impressive in this amazing future world of the 21st century. As I’ve said before, there are so many fantastic new devices out there, it would seem that there is no longer anything left to invent.
As an inventor myself, I am always ready to applaud others who use their ingenuity and creativity with the goal of improving our quality of life. And, indeed, that is what Kamen and company have done.
If you would like to view an excellent video on this breakthrough, there is a report that was recently produced by Katie Couric, who is, I understand, an award-winning journalist and best-selling author. You may see her report at http://news.yahoo.com/katie-couric-interviews-bionic-arm-inventor-185134268.html
The uncommon Kamen
You may also be interested to learn that this is not the first time that Kamen’s inventions have made the news. He already has 440 patents, I hear. And one of the most famous in his collection is the Segway PT, a two-wheeled, electric, self-balancing “human transporter.” Another wonderful use of electricity, I say!
Some of his other areas of investigation and invention include water purification (especially for developing countries), solar power, and kidney dialysis. (This reminds me of my own venture into the field of medical care, when I invented a flexible catheter in 1752 to help my brother John, who was suffering from kidney stones.)
Back to the arm
But, dear reader, I seem to have gone off on a tangent. I wanted to share the rest of the story about Kamen’s amazing invention with you. This bionic arm was initially funded by the Pentagon as an answer to the problem of injured soldiers who lost their limbs. It took eight years to develop, and has now been approved for sale, thanks to the federal government and its Food and Drug Administration. This is the first such arm that can perform multiple, simultaneous powered movements, controlled by …. something you 21st century people call “Bluetooth” technology … did I say that right?
Inspired by Star Wars
And, best of all, Kamen has named this bionic arm “Luke,” because it was inspired in part by the character of Luke Skywalker in the Star Wars tales. (Luke, I’m told, lost a hand in battle and was fitted with a robotic replacement — a concept that was still science fiction when it was introduced several years ago, but is now reality, thanks to Dean Kamen and his team.)
So goodbye hooks, hello to game-changing help for amputees! Kudos, Mr. Kamen!
Your humble servant,
B.Franklin
You may also be interested to learn that this is not the first time that Kamen’s inventions have made the news. He already has 440 patents, I hear. And one of the most famous in his collection is the Segway PT, a two-wheeled, electric, self-balancing “human transporter.” Another wonderful use of electricity, I say!
Some of his other areas of investigation and invention include water purification (especially for developing countries), solar power, and kidney dialysis. (This reminds me of my own venture into the field of medical care, when I invented a flexible catheter in 1752 to help my brother John, who was suffering from kidney stones.)
Back to the arm
But, dear reader, I seem to have gone off on a tangent. I wanted to share the rest of the story about Kamen’s amazing invention with you. This bionic arm was initially funded by the Pentagon as an answer to the problem of injured soldiers who lost their limbs. It took eight years to develop, and has now been approved for sale, thanks to the federal government and its Food and Drug Administration. This is the first such arm that can perform multiple, simultaneous powered movements, controlled by …. something you 21st century people call “Bluetooth” technology … did I say that right?
Inspired by Star Wars
And, best of all, Kamen has named this bionic arm “Luke,” because it was inspired in part by the character of Luke Skywalker in the Star Wars tales. (Luke, I’m told, lost a hand in battle and was fitted with a robotic replacement — a concept that was still science fiction when it was introduced several years ago, but is now reality, thanks to Dean Kamen and his team.)
So goodbye hooks, hello to game-changing help for amputees! Kudos, Mr. Kamen!
Your humble servant,
B.Franklin