‘Third Thumb’ could change accessibility for humans: Cambridge study
- Study: 98% of participants were able to successfully use 'Third Thumb'
- Professor: Technologies open exciting opportunities that benefit society
- Findings: Younger children had a harder time controlling tech than rest
View of King’s college chapel and Kings College at midday. King’s college was founded in 1441 and is a constituent College of the University of Cambridge
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(NewsNation) — Would you use a third thumb?
Researchers at the University of Cambridge found that a controllable, prosthetic “Third Thumb” may be the key that could change accessibility and functionality for all humans.
“These technologies open up exciting new opportunities that can benefit society, but it’s vital that we consider how they can help all people equally, especially marginalized communities who are often excluded from innovation research and development,” Tamar Makin, a professor from the Medical Research Council (MRC) Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit at the University of Cambridge, said.
The technology was tested by a diverse group of participants with varying motor capabilities from ages 3 to 96. Of the 596 participants tested, 98% of them were able to adjust to using the Third Thumb — a hand augmentation device — within the first minute of use.
The study, published in Science Robotics, focused on how well participants adapted to using the technology. Researchers observed the users’ physical and cognitive capabilities; fit and control of the device; ability to operate the device; and the ability to use the device based on variation groups, meaning gender, handiness and age.
Researchers did find younger children had the most difficulty controlling the technology. The study also noted that gender and handiness did not influence participants’ performance.
