5-year-old Jordan Marotta becomes the youngest ever to receive a bionic arm!
Jordan Marotta, a five-year-old kid who was born without a hand, is the youngest person to ever receive a bionic limb. When Jordan Marotta received his Iron Man-themed "Hero Arm" prosthetic last week, he was overcome with "pure joy." Just a few hours later, he was able to speed around on his scooter while gripping the handlebars with the prosthetic's lifelike grip.
Jordan remarked, "It's cool and really fun." "I enjoy manipulating my hand to open and close." When Jordan's mother Ashley Marotta began to wonder why his hand had not "grown back," she contacted Open Bionics, the company that manufactures the prosthetics. They let Jordan test out one arm to see if he could utilize it, but they informed her that he was probably too young to acquire one of their mechanical limbs. They later agreed to fit him at their headquarters in nearby New York City after this successful trial, two years earlier than typical children.
About Open Bionics ~ According to its description, Open Bionics is the only business in the world producing multi-articulating hands that are lightweight and small enough for kids as young as Jordan. Thanks to a long-standing partnership with The Walt Disney Company, it is also the only business to build bionic limbs from the Marvel, Star Wars, and Disney universes. Open Bionics develops medical devices that enhance the human body. Open Bionics grew out of the Open Hand project created by Joel Gibbard after studying robotics at the University of Plymouth. In late 2023, Open Bionics expanded its clinical presence in the United States, with clinics located in Denver, Los Angeles, Orlando, and New York City. Their first product is the 'Hero Arm' for people living with a below-elbow limb difference.
Jordan Marotta before he got his new bionic arm
(Source: SWNS)
The Development of Robotic Technologies is Quite Fascinating at the Moment ~
Though it appeared unreal just a few years ago, wearable robotic suits, extra limbs controlled by the brain, and wheelchairs driven by the mind are currently being actively developed. It significantly advances the goal of integrating humans and machines. Bionic limbs on a sci-fi level and creative prosthetic limb designs that don't resemble body parts are becoming more and more common. That may sound like a slightly unsettling concept to some people. Bionic implants and wearable robotics could be used to improve prostheses among other medical applications. Beyond that, however, wearable robots and bionics may improve people's abilities at work and increase output. Considering how quickly technology is developing, it's critical to utilize it to its full potential.
“As soon as we left with Jordan’s Hero Arm, he was running around with so much confidence, trying to hail New York taxis,” said the mom. “You can’t even put a number on how amazing that is. It is worth its weight in gold. The first thing he wanted to do when he got home was ride his scooter—to finally hold on with two hands.
Jordan Marotta with his new Iron Man Hero Arm ~
( Source: Google Images)
A Little Back Story ~
During a hospital 20-week pregnancy exam, Ashley learned that Jordan was missing his left hand; the physicians were unable to identify any particular medical reason for this. Although she was first saddened by his prognosis, she found solace in the knowledge that other kids had prospered in such circumstances. No child is 'perfect,' yet you hear the saying 'ten fingers and ten toes' a lot, and you never truly get it until you have to. Fortunately, Ashley was able to look up and connect with many excellent resources, which she believes helped her get ready for his arrival.She felt relieved since she had watched numerous movies of other children who looked just like him. The trip might not be simple, but he would make it through. Ashley contacted UK-based Open Bionics as Jordan started to raise questions about his limb discrepancy, such as, "Mummy, how come I don't have two hands?" His mother had the guts to ask, "What's the worst that can happen? Given that we're in New York and they have a satellite office." Can we try it out with the prosthetist in person? For his age, Jordan is a bit larger than average. She thus effectively convinced them of his might. Ashley expressed gratitude to her health insurance for paying for the arm. Utilizing specialized sensors, the device converts muscle contractions into bionic hand movements. The majority of kids who receive Hero Arms are seven years old or older, but according to Jordan's superior intelligence and size for his age, it was simple to teach him how to operate the device early on.
''Turning Disabilities Into Superpowers''~ Open Bionics
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