We’re not exactly sure about the potential advantages of having a sixth digit on our hand (aside from being able to play some crazy guitar licks), but a student at San Francisco State University, who also works for DIY website Instructables, decided to see what it would be like. He created a special glove with a robotic sixth finger that curls when he flexes the muscles in his wrist and arm. It uses Advancer Technologies‘ EMG Sensor (used to power the USB Biofeedback Game Controller we wrote about previously) and our favorite Arduino processor to handle all the data.
Here’s a description on the inspiration behind the project, which is called “Primitive Transhumanism #2: Sixth Finger”:
I’m interested in the future of transhumanism especially from a DIY perspective and what the layman can take to mold ones body however they wish. Body liberation will not happen through the corporation, even though it will be the ever arching fight of our times, but these changes may be necessary to keep resisting the status quo in a world of the hyperreal. Taking the ideas of transhumanism and the body as moldable, I use everyday objects to create a primitive transhuman experience, which the viewer can participate. This piece adds to the body a sixth finger to the left hand. its purpose is left ambigous on purpose, to engage the viewer on what these sorts of transformations can mean for the body. I encourage viewers of the piece to imagine a world where a primitive transhumanism could be advantageous.
More info from Instructables: Transhumanist Appendage Addition Device
(hat tip: Engadget)
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