Chloe Holmes lost several fingers after a nasty bout of chicken pox in her infancy. We’re not sure which hand was affected (apparently both, but judging by the pic it’s the left that’s in worse shape). Until the age of 15, she had to make do with dull prosthetic replacements. Thanks to a sizable financial investment, Chloe has a new fully functional hand. After spending 38,000 quid on a bionic hand, Chloe can now consider herself a cyborg. In fact, she might want to start calling herself Chloe Ironfist.
The Marvel of Modern Engineering
Jesting aside, the new hand is a serious piece of engineering. Chloe isn’t the first teenager to get a bionic boost though. Earlier this month another kid from the UK got a bionic hand sponsored by a car company and a hi-tech firm. For people who like putting two and two together, it might seem noteworthy that teenage amputees are the ones getting nice cyborg upgrades these days.
Upon checking other news sources, turns out the hand Chloe is wearing is from Touch Bionics as well. This means we’re looking at another variant of the iLimb Pulse, which has some really advanced hardware capable of precise activities and tasks, i.e. writing with a pen. The iLimb Pulse is known for its dexterity and the ability to perform a variety of grips, making it a versatile tool for daily activities. This technology represents a significant leap forward from traditional prosthetics, which often offer limited functionality and can be cumbersome to use.
Impact on Chloe’s Life
The impact of this bionic hand on Chloe’s life cannot be overstated. Before receiving the iLimb Pulse, Chloe had to rely on basic prosthetics that offered minimal functionality. Simple tasks that many take for granted, such as tying shoelaces, holding a fork, or even shaking hands, were challenging for her. With her new bionic hand, Chloe can now perform these tasks with ease, significantly improving her quality of life and independence.
Moreover, the psychological benefits of having a bionic hand are profound. For a teenager, fitting in with peers is crucial, and having a visible disability can be a source of anxiety and self-consciousness. Chloe’s new hand not only provides her with physical capabilities but also boosts her confidence and self-esteem. She can now participate in activities and social interactions without feeling limited or different.
A video:
Source BBC
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