A new rocket-powered mechanical arm, fuelled by liquid hydrogen peroxide and using iridium-coated alumina granules, could lead to "better, stronger, faster" bionic limbs, according to research conducted at Vanderbilt University in Nashville.

The new prototype mechanical arm is capable of lifting up to 11kg, which is four times more than current commercial prosthetic arms and around four times faster.

Researcher Michael Goldfarb said: "Our design does not have superhuman strength or capability, but it is closer in terms of function and power to a human arm than any previous prosthetic device that is self-powered and weighs about the same as a natural arm."

The design of the arm is similar to rocket systems used to help space shuttles and satellites manoeuvre while in orbit and uses a miniature rocket, the size of a pencil, fuelled by pressurized liquid hydrogen peroxide catalysed by iridium-coated alumina granules, which then generates steam that forces pistons into action.

The arm also has improved dexterity and manoeuvrability, with a wrist that can twist and bend, and fingers that can move independently of one another.

The iridium-hydrogen peroxide powered rocket could replace batteries and electric motors that drive conventional bionic limbs, Mr Goldfarb said: "Battery power has been adequate for the current generation of prosthetic arms because their functionality is so limited that people don't use them much, the more functional the prosthesis, the more the person will use it and the more energy it will consume."

The project has been funded by the Defence Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), which have an advanced, commercially available prosthetic arm available within two years and for this technology to be ready for clinical trials within four years.


Source:
New Robotic Arm Powered by Rockets
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/20496850/
Strong Arm Tactics
http://frontweb.vuse.vanderbilt.edu/vuse_web/facstaff/GoldfarbSpotlight.htm

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