Adam’s Hand has been developed to simplify users’ lives by eliminating the primary differences between multi-articulating and tridigital hands: the choice of grip patterns through muscles’ contraction. This revolutionary approach, made possible by the internationally patented mechanism we’ve developed, really makes Adam’s Hand the “First of its Kind”. One control method for infinite possibilities is truly realised with Adam’s Hand.
In this article, we will explore how individuals with upper limb differences can benefit from a highly intuitive hand to handle activities of daily life without the worry of high cognitive load or muscle fatigue.
A reliable and intuitive prosthesis for everyday life!
Multi-articulating hands are the most advanced prostheses on the market. Despite this, users often prefer tridigital hands due to their ease of use, durability, and lighter weight. Some factors, in fact, limit the use of more advanced devices, such as extensive training, which leads to significant cognitive load and muscle fatigue, as well as unnatural use.
Adam’s Hand seeks to bridge this gap by offering top-tier technology that provides users with an easy-to-use, durable, and highly anthropomorphic solution.
Our Fully-Adaptive Grip Technology eliminates the need for users to perform complex muscle contraction triggers to switch between different grips. They simply need to open and close Adam’s Hand, and all the fingers will flex together, automatically adapting to the shape and size of the grasped objects. This allows users to quickly and intuitively learn how to use the device, facilitating embodiment and reducing the rejection rate.
Adam’s Hand’s intuitive thumb rotation allows users to adjust the thumb position by grasping the thumb at the orange dot shown in the image, lifting it up (1), rotating it to the desired position (2), and then releasing it (3). This makes the thumb highly stable when in position and really easy to move when disengaged.
Depending on the activity to be carried on, the thumb can be rotated into:
- Lateral Position: opposing the side of the index finger.
- Opposition Position: opposing the index and middle fingers.
- Intermediate Position: between the lateral and opposition positions.
Experience the Most Natural Control with Adam’s Hand
Thanks to the opposable thumb and to the conforming grip, users can access all necessary grips for performing 90% of Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) using just one open and close command:
1. Tripod grip: when the thumb is in opposition and the Adam’s Hand is pointing forwards, the thumb tip closes against the tips of the index and the middle fingers. It’s ideal to pick up small objects.
2. With bigger objects a Power grip is automatically performed.
3. Hook grip: when the thumb is in opposition and the hand is pointing downwards or upwards, the thumb closes after the other fingers, locking the index and the middle fingers in place. This way you can obtain a really firm grip, particularly useful for holding heavy objects, when the hand points downwards, or for holding yourself to a bar, when the hand points upwards.
4. Handshake: when the thumb is in an intermediate position and the hand is pointing forwards, all the fingers close together in a natural way. It is ideal for handshaking and similar activities.
5. Point grip: when the thumb is in the intermediate position and the hand is pointing downwards, the thumb closes before the other fingers and against the side of the middle finger, offering a support base for the index. The tip of the index can now be used to digit on the keyboard and its knuckle to push on a switch.
6. Lateral grip: when the thumb is in lateral position and the hand is completely closed, open and close commands only control the thumb opening and closing, without involving the other fingers, which now offer stable support for keys, credit cards or smartphones. Fully open the thumb to regain the control of all the fingers.
These main grips can then be used to perform several different activities:
7. Fork: when the thumb is in lateral position, grasp a fork by entering its handle on one side between the proximal phalanges of the index and middle fingers and on the other side between the thumb and palm, with the prongs facing the little finger. Once the fingers are completely closed, try to move the fork to ensure a firm grip.
8. Spoon: when the thumb is in opposition, grasp a spoon by entering its handle one side between the proximal phalanges of the index and middle fingers and on the other side above the thumb. Hold the spoon in place until the remaining fingers close completely.
9. Knife 1: when the thumb is in lateral position, grasp a knife by entering its blade between the distal phalanx of the index finger and the proximal phalanx of the middle finger, and its handle between the thumb and palm. Close the fingers to secure the grip and lock the knife.
Be careful not to damage the glove with the knife blade.
10. Knife 2: when the thumb is in lateral position, grasp a knife by entering the handle into your palm so that the blade faces outward, ensuring that the tip of your thumb aligns with the ending of the handle or the start of the blade. Close the fingers to secure the grip and lock the knife.
Be careful not to damage the glove with the knife blade.
11. Mestolo: quando il pollice è in posizione laterale, è possibile afferrare un mestolo per mescolare inserendo il manico nel palmo, assicurandosi che il pollice sia allineato con il manico. A questo punto, sarà sufficiente chiudere le dita intorno al manico e bloccarlo con il pollice.
12. Penna: quando il pollice è in posizione laterale, è possibile afferrare una penna/matita posizionandola tra le dita in modo da racchiuderla tra indice e mignolo da un lato, e medio e anulare dall’altro. A questo punto, sarà sufficiente chiudere le dita intorno alla penna e bloccarla in posizione con il pollice.
13. Posizione di riposo: 3 secondi dopo che la mano viene completamente aperta, questa si porta automaticamente in una posizione più naturale e rilassata. Ciò può essere particolarmente utile per reggere una pentola o una ciotola quando il palmo è rivolto verso l’alto.
14. Indossare/togliere i vestiti: quando il pollice è in posizione intermedia, è sufficiente premere il pulsante LED di Adam’s Hand per 5 secondi, aspettando finché il LED inizia a lampeggiare bianco: la mano si porta automaticamente nella posizione più comoda per indossare o togliere i vestiti.
At any time, these grips can be activated/deactivated independently by the user from the ‘Advanced Settings’ section of the MyoLogic app and their settings can be modified by clinicians from the ‘Advanced Settings’ screen of the MyoLogic Pro app
The most advanced technology and user-centric design for an unparalleled freedom of movement
Adam’s Hand combines cutting-edge technology and user-centric design, ensuring that individuals with upper limb differences can experience a new level of functionality, comfort, and confidence in their daily lives.
An advanced AI pattern-recognition algorithm enables a seamless 15-second calibration process. This allows the prosthesis to perfectly adapt to each user’s muscle tone anywhere and anytime, using just two EMG electrodes for enhanced personalization and ease of use.
This flexibility is crucial for differentiating between handling delicate objects like plastic cups and heavier items like water bottles. With proportional control, Adam’s Hand empowers users to manage grip force and speed by modulating muscle contractions.
Learn more about our technology: check now the Tech section of our Blog!
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The product is a CE marked medical device/accessory (Class I, EU MDR 2017/745).
The following content is intended exclusively for the Operator/Clinician and does NOT replace the User Manual, where all warnings and tips for safe and compliant use of the product are provided. The user manual is provided together with the product.
