Is This 3D Printed Third Arm Useful? Maybe?

Originally published on hackaday.com by Lewin Day on 25 December 2023

In an ambitious project, Emily The Engineer aimed to create a third arm for YouTuber This Old Tony to explore the potential benefits of having an additional limb. The design involves a strapped-on arm brace that attaches to the wearer’s forearm, featuring a motor-driven geared mechanism to control a gripper. Initial challenges arose as the gripper’s slow speed rendered it almost impractical. Emily addressed this by replacing the threaded rod, significantly improving the gripper’s opening and closing speed. Subsequent upgrades enhanced the arm’s strength, allowing it to lift objects such as spray cans and bricks.

Despite the improvements, the practicality of the third arm remains a subject of consideration. The arm mount and controls currently limit the user’s ability to use their left hand when the third arm is attached. This restriction raises questions about the overall utility and convenience of the additional limb. While the project showcases creative engineering and problem-solving skills, its real-world applicability hinges on resolving ergonomic challenges to ensure seamless integration with human functionality. Make your third arm even smarter with some sensors, more buttons or even a display on the side

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