Yes, We Want A Third Thumb

by Anthony FalcoWho wouldn’t another thumb?Thumbs are in more demand than ever. We’re using them to hold our phones and wine glasses, often both at the same time. Facebook is pretty much always asking for a thumb, and YouTube even lets you give a thumbs down if that’s what you’re into.So when a graduate student at London’s Royal College of Art developed “The Third Thumb,” it was a welcome sign that we may no longer be limited to just two thumbs.Basically, it’s a 3D-printed attachable prosthetic made of flexible plastic. It bends at its three hinges, just like your boring flesh thumb does, and the flexibility allows you to do pretty much anything with it.It’s controlled by pressure sensors placed in the user’s shoe. Honestly, shouldn’t our feet be doing more work for us? When’s the last time your foot has helped your thumb? (That’s what we thought.)Well, unfortunately — like everything truly awesome in this world — this is just a prototype. It’s meant to show how humans can augment their bodies with plastic and funny shoes.Still, we give it three thumbs up.
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