Testing the Third Thumb’s Role

Using the Third Thumb in modern professional and personal tasks is easier than you might think.

Cambridge researchers tested their Third Thumb robotic device on a wide range of participants, emphasizing the importance of inclusivity and ensuring the technology works for everyone.

Dani Clode, working in Professor Makin’s lab, developed the Third Thumb, an extra robotic thumb designed to enhance the user’s range of movement, grip strength, and hand capacity. This enables users to perform tasks that might be difficult or impossible with one hand or handle complex tasks without assistance.

The Third Thumb is worn on the opposite side of the hand from the natural thumb and is controlled by pressure sensors under the big toes. Pressing the right toe moves the Thumb across the hand while pressing the left toe moves it towards the fingers. The Thumb’s movement depends on the pressure applied, and it returns to its original position when the pressure is released.

 

source University of Cambridge