Older and younger adults had a similar level of ability when using the technology, although there was a decline in the performance of the elderly with increasing age.
Motor augmentation is a growing field, which aims to use exoskeletons or robotic parts to allow humans to overcome biological limitations, such as strength, speed or dexterity.
Demonstrating feasibility
As well as improving the quality of life for healthy individuals who want to enhance their productivity, the same technologies are also expected to provide critical assistance for people with disabilities.
The thumb is an obvious choice as the evolution of opposable thumbs allowed our human ancestors to manipulate stone and wood into tools, which helped drive the dominance of the species.
Cambridge said that it is still in the research and design process, but is hoping to eventually market the thumb.
Lucy Dowdall, of the MRC Cognition and Brain Science Unit, said: “The current study was geared towards demonstrating the feasibility of our technology – we showed that pretty much anyone who wants to use the thumb can, and can figure out how to use it very quickly.
“This level of evidence goes a long way towards commercialisation, but we are not quite there yet. We are currently in the R&D phase with a working prototype that has been extensively tested.
“Our focus remains on refining the technology and ensuring it meets the highest standards of functionality, safety, and user adaptability, as well as using it as a model to explore augmentation in the neuroscience research space.”
The results of the trial were published in the journal Science Robotics.
Laura Adams is a tech enthusiast residing in the UK. Her articles cover the latest technological innovations, from AI to consumer gadgets, providing readers with a glimpse into the future of technology.
