Human hands have had 10 digits for millions of years.
But it seems that scientists in it Cambridge University does not believe this is enough.
Experts have created the ‘Third Thumb’, a controllable prosthesis that attaches to the edge of the right hand.
It allows users to pick up objects, open drink bottles, examine cards, and even peel a banana, all with one hand.
In their study, human volunteers quickly became accustomed to the extra finger, which could “advance our motor capabilities beyond current biological limitations.”
Cambridge researchers have shown that people have little problem learning very quickly to use a third thumb: a prosthetic, controllable extra thumb.
The study was led by Tamar Makin, professor of cognitive neuroscience at the University of Cambridge, and published in Scientific robotics.
Professor Makin and his colleagues believe the thumb could be particularly valuable for amputees who, for example, have lost an arm and have difficulty performing everyday tasks with one hand.
“Technology is changing our very definition of what it means to be human,” they state in their article.
‘Machines are becoming more and more part of our daily lives and even our minds and bodies.
“An interesting area for future technology is motor augmentation, which is designed to enhance or expand the physical capabilities of humans.”
The third thumb is worn on the opposite side of the palm from a person’s actual thumb and is controlled by a pressure sensor placed under each big toe or foot, which can fit inside a shoe.
Pressure from the right toe pulls the prosthetic finger along the hand, while pressure from the left toe pulls it toward the fingers and releasing the pressure returns it to its original position.
It allows users to pick up objects, open drink bottles, examine cards, and even peel a banana, all with one hand.
Experts believe the extra digit could “advance our motor capabilities beyond current biological limitations.”
In their study, the team tested 596 participants, ranging in age from three to 96, who were given up to one minute to familiarize themselves with the device.
The thumb was provided in different sizes so that it could fit the hands of children and adults.
Participants performed two tasks: first, pick up pegs and place them in a basket and, second, manipulate and move five or six foam objects of different sizes.
Overall, 99.3 percent of the sample successfully used and controlled the thumb, the researchers found.
And 98 percent of participants were able to successfully manipulate objects using their third thumb within the first minute of use.
Older and younger adults had a similar level of skill when using the device, although further investigation only within the older adult age group revealed a decline in performance with increasing age.
The third thumb was provided in different sizes so that it could fit the hands of children and adults.
“This effect could be due to the general degradation of sensorimotor and cognitive abilities associated with aging,” the team said.
“In addition, these effects could also reflect a generational relationship with technology.”
It’s unclear when or how academics might make their device available to the public, or how much it would cost.
But they hope it “can pave the way to setting a benchmark” for other “inclusive” human-centered devices.
“Future augmentation technologies could have a major influence on society and be beneficial to many people,” they write.
