Researchers at the University of Cambridge have introduced a groundbreaking advancement in motor augmentation technology—the Third Thumb. This innovative prosthetic extra thumb, developed by collaborator Dani Clode within Professor Tamar Makin’s lab at the Medical Research Council (MRC) Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit, offers users enhanced grasping capability and expanded hand functionality. The Third Thumb has garnered attention for its potential to improve the quality of life for both healthy individuals seeking productivity enhancement and people with disabilities seeking novel ways to interact with their environment.
The Third Thumb is positioned opposite to the biological thumb and is controlled by pressure sensors placed under each big toe or foot. By applying pressure with the toes, users can manipulate the Third Thumb to perform various tasks, effectively extending their range of movement and facilitating complex multi-handed activities without relying on external coordination.
During a comprehensive testing phase at the annual Royal Society Summer Science Exhibition, the Third Thumb was evaluated by a diverse range of participants, spanning ages three to 96 years and representing various demographic backgrounds. Impressively, nearly all participants demonstrated immediate proficiency in using the device, with 98% successfully manipulating objects within the first minute of use.
Participants engaged in two tasks designed to assess the Third Thumb’s functionality and usability. In one task, participants were tasked with picking up pegs from a pegboard using only the Third Thumb and placing them in a basket—a challenge that 333 participants completed with ease. In another task, participants used the Third Thumb in conjunction with their biological hand to manipulate foam objects of various shapes, showcasing the device’s versatility in facilitating complex manipulations.
Notably, the Third Thumb demonstrated universal usability across genders, handedness, and age groups, with no discernible differences in performance observed. While older adults exhibited a slight decline in performance with increasing age, younger children and older adults alike were able to utilize the Third Thumb effectively, albeit with varying degrees of proficiency.
The findings underscore the importance of inclusive design considerations in the development of wearable technology. As Dani Clode emphasizes, motor augmentation devices should be accessible and functional for users of diverse backgrounds, lifestyles, and abilities. Achieving seamless integration with users’ motor and cognitive abilities necessitates extensive testing across diverse populations, ensuring that technological advancements are inclusive and beneficial for all.
