Dee Faught is 17 and suffers from osteogenesis imperfecta, commonly known as “brittle bone disease”. For years he’s been unable to perform even simple tasks like turning off his own lightswitch. Now, however, he’s got a degree of independence. All thanks to his badass new robot arm.
A team of student engineers at Rice Universeity have spent two years designing and building Dee a claw that attaches to the back of his wheelchair, and can be controlled using a PlayStation pad.
It’s a revelation, not just for the freedom it grants Dee, but also because it only cost around $US800, where traditionally stuff like this would set you back over $US20,000.
The best part, though, is that Dee can now a science super-hero. Or super-villain. The choice is his to make.
Rice engineering team delivers robotic arm to Houston area teenager [RICE, via Laughing Squid]
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