Robotic Drumming Prosthesis

So this is just plain cool and badass! A drummer with a robotic arm prosthesis that essentially gives him three hands. This drummer’s name is Jason Barnes who lost part of his right arm in an electrical accident a couple years ago.

After the accident Georgia Tech stepped in and configured a prosthesis. However this first iteration did not give him suttle wrist and finger controls. Then Professor Gil Weinberg stepped in and created a robotic version … with a brain!

The first stick is controlled by Jason using his arm and muscle movements. The second stick however listens to the rhythm and improvises on its own. Blending an organic brain with a digital one to make sweet music! Jason recently played live at a concert which you can see below. For more on this amazing prosthesis and Jason, read this article.