MITCH STURGEON
Author and Blogger Living With MS
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People who lose limbs get prosthetics. I’ve seen some awesome robotic prosthetic arms like DEKA Research’s Luke Arm.
I may as well not even have a left arm, but there it sits taking up space. Because neither I nor my doctors have the stomach for surgically removing my arm, I can’t have a prosthetic attached. The next best thing is a robotic arm that attaches to my wheelchair. I found such a device, called the Jaco Robotic Arm. And last week, I tried one out in my home.
It was an amazing experience. Now, the task is to obtain authorization from my insurance company. I can’t begin to imagine all of the tasks a robotic arm could do for me.
Here is a short video with the highlights of my time with the Jaco Arm. Note that my movements are not smooth, but keep in mind this was my very first time with the arm, and if I do obtain one, I’ll show you a new video after I’ve mastered the controls.
22 Replies to “Kinova’s Jaco Robotic Arm”
Wow! That is truly impressive. What an amazing device. Keeping everything crossed that you can talk the insurance I into paying for one. If anyone can do that, you are the very one!
Stu, I know! it is impressive.
I’ve had a lot of success advocating for myself to obtain funding, with help from great doctors and therapists, but I don’t win them all. If I do lose this one, it won’t be for lack of effort.
You continue to wow and amaze your fans. I held my breath expecting that the cup would be knocked off the table. I never learn. You are in control! This arm would give you such a boost. The next video will show you after you have mastered the insurance company and the arm. I can’t wait.
Mrs. Reed, LOL, if I had knocked the cup off the table I would’ve shown it to give everyone a laugh (or a cry). Thanks for your kind words and encouragement, not just today, but over the years.
Incredible. And of course I was wondering from the beginning if it would enable you to scratch your itches. Here’s hoping that insurance comes through for you
Mary Ellen, indeed, this robot should solve my itch scratching problem that I talked about in a previous post. Thanks for noticing!
This is terrific. So terrific. And it is wonderful how quickly one can learn to do a few things right off, how there is a coach, how they can adapt things to your specific “what-still-works-on-my-body.” I hope the insurance or any fundraising you might do works out sooner than you hope. Thank you so much for sharing this.
Amy, thanks so much for dropping by and commenting. As a fellow person who struggles with disability, you get what the process is like. You get creative and do what you can do.
I was so glad you recognized the benefit of scratching that itch yourself. Can’t wait to see your mastery!!!
Hey Lynn, I probably could have built an itch scratcher for thousands of dollars less, but why not get the whole kit and caboodle?
Mitch, I pray that you can get one of these amazing arms.
Thanks Jamie. I’m not much of a prayer, but I am a hoper. Let’s come at this from every angle and maybe we can get it done!
Keep up pistes Mitch. Great job for your first time using.
Hey Don, thanks for the compliment. I knew I wasn’t exactly performing at a high level, but at the same time, I could feel that with practice, I will be.
Mitch,
I can see how Jaco Robotic Arm would be very helpful to you and your caretakers. What a great invention. Good luck with getting the funding.
Robin, thanks for stopping by. You’re right. It won’t only help me, but it will take some of the burden off Kim and the others who help me.
That’s amazing Mitch! Very cool! You’ve yet to master it but you manipulated it incredibly well for your first try. When the insurance company says ‘okie dokie’ you’ll be picking up, putting down, shifting around everything in sight! Even without the robotic arm you consistently lift so many of us up with your spirit and wit. As my little grand-niece would say “you rock!”
Sandy, you always lift me up! Thanks for stopping by…
Wow Mitch this is truly outstanding. Truly hope insurance comes through for you, if you need a letter campaign just let us know!
Hey Mary, great to hear from you. I’ll let you know if we need to bury the insurance company in testimonials!
Do I need to warn Kim that you may start redecorating? The engineer in me so appreciates that you’re doing this and I’m sure the company that made the robotic arm does as well
Jonathan, there is little risk of me redecorating, not because of physical limitation so much as lack of artistic touch!
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