FDA Approves First Mind-Controlled Prosthetic Arm The arm allows amputees to perform once impossible tasks, like using a zipper and picking up delicate objects like grapes and eggs.

By Laura Entis

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

Dean Kamen is probably best known for inventing the Segway, the self-balancing electric vehicle that's equal parts innovative and ridiculous.

Luckily for him (and us), that may soon change. His company, DEKA Research and Development, has created something far cooler: The first Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved, mind-controlled prosthetic limb.

The DEKA arm system (nicknamed "Luke" by DEKA employees, after Luke Skywalker) is controlled by electrodes attached to the arm above the prosthesis. The electrodes detect muscle movements in the upper arm, which are sent to a processor and translated into the wearer's desired motion.

Related: U.S. Army Developing a Real Live 'Iron Man' Suit

The prosthetic is the same weight and shape as an adult arm, the FDA said in a statement, and "can convert electrical signals into up to 10 powered movements."

According to a clinical trial cited by the agency, 90 percent of study participants were able to perform activities with the DEKA arm that they couldn't do with their current prosthesis, including using keys, locks and zippers, preparing food and feeding themselves.

Fred Downs, the veteran affairs official in charge of prosthetics, demonstrated the DEKA arm for 60 Minutes. "For the first time in 40 years my left hand did this," he said, making a fist. "It's such an amazing feeling. I was 23 years old the last time I did that," he told the outlet.

Related: Swallow This 'Password' Pill to Unlock Your Digital Devices

In a demonstration video, Downs is able to pick up and transfer eggs from one carton to another, thanks to vibration feedback that allows him to 'feel' how tightly he's gripping each shell.

DEKA developed the arm with $40 million in financing from the U.S. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency and the U.S. Army Research Office, Bloomberg reports.

The FDA's stamp of approval means DEKA can now find a manufacturer and make the product commercially available, although that may not happen for some time. According to Bloomberg, DEKA is currently looking for a commercial partner to mass market the prosthetic.

For more information about the project, check out the video below.

Related: This Bionic Hand Allows Amputee to 'Feel' Again

Wavy Line
Laura Entis is a reporter for Fortune.com's Venture section.

Editor's Pick

'Catastrophic': Here's What You Should Know About the Debt Ceiling Crisis — And How a Default Could Impact Your Business
Lock
I Helped Grow 4 Unicorns Over 10 Years That Generated $18 Billion in Online Revenues. Here's What I've Learned.
Lock
Want to Break Bad Habits and Supercharge Your Business? Use This Technique.
Lock
Don't Have Any Clients But Need Customer Testimonials? Follow These 3 Tricks To Boost Your Rep.
Why Are Some Wines More Expensive Than Others? A Top Winemaker Gives a Full-Bodied Explanation.

Related Topics

Leadership

The Real Reason Why The Return to Office Movement is Failing is Revealed in New Study

There is a vivid sign of the disconnect between employees and their workplace, a glaring indication that companies need to revise their scripts to improve their hybrid and remote work policies.

Money & Finance

3 Ways to Create Multiple (Big) Streams of Income

Here are three ways to create multiple streams of income. These strategies require effort and resources but offer significant financial potential.

Management

12 Good Reasons to Explain Why You Left a Job During an Interview

Not sure what to say when asked why you left your last job? Check out these reasons so that you have a great answer on your next interview.

Growing a Business

3 Best Resignation Letter Examples

Are you ready to quit your job? Continue reading for everything you need to know about writing the perfect resignation letter.

Growing a Business

3 Best SMART Goal Examples and How To Achieve Them

SMART goals create an action plan to help you reach your goals. Read on to learn how to develop and achieve your own SMART goals.

Fundraising

Working Remote? These Are the Biggest Dos and Don'ts of Video Conferencing

As more and more businesses go remote, these are ways to be more effective and efficient on conference calls.