Immortal Cosmetic Art's bionic arm innovation marks a new chapter in the world of prosthetics, a solution designed by Africans, for Africans. The two brothers behind the creation hope to bring affordability and accessibility to amputees.

Akwa Ibom

A Nigerian company, Immortal Cosmetic Art, has developed a hyper-realistic bionic arm designed to help amputees regain functionality and confidence. The prosthetic, created by brothers John and Ubokobong Amanam, uses EMG signals to mimic the movement of a human hand and features lifelike details such as nails, wrinkles, and fingerprints.

The innovation was inspired by Ubokobong's own experience after losing his fingers in an accident. The company aims to make the prosthesis affordable for ordinary Nigerians with support from the government or NGOs, and has already received orders from several countries, including the US, UK, Australia, and Ghana.

Nigerian firm develops breakthrough bionic arms for amputees

In a Nigerian laboratory, Gift Ousen experienced something she'd dreamed of her entire life. The feeling of having two complete hands. Born with her left arm ending at the elbow, she tested a revolutionary bionic prosthesis that she believes could change everything. The simple act of picking up her handbag marked a huge breakthrough for Ousen. When we are launching it will be my greatest happiness ever. I feel so good, like I'm happy, finally I'll have like two hands. You know, we feel among. The prosthetic arm was developed by brothers John and Ubokobong Amanam at their company Immortal Cosmetic Art. Its innovation began in 2019 when Ubokobong lost his fingers in a firecracker accident. From initially painting white-coloured prosthetics to match his skin tone, Ubokobong and his brother have been on a journey to create this hyper-realistic arm. It looks like the human hand. It has the physical features of the human hand. It has nails and wrinkles and all the fingerprints and almost every physical human feature you'll find it on Ubokobong's bionic hand. It works with EMG signals that are sent from the brain to different muscles in the hand. The Amanam brothers' fusion of technology, cultural identity and artistry in medical technology represents a new chapter in prosthetic development. They say it's one where solutions are designed by Africans, for Africans and challenges the global prosthetics industry to be more inclusive and representative. I know how it feels like to lose a body part and no matter how small it is, it's very painful and I feel so fulfilled, I feel so fulfilled and it gives me joy to see a complete smile on someone else's face. I'm happy that it's a problem in Africa that I have solved and I'm trying to spread this solution around Africa. The company hopes to officially launch production with support from either the government or NGOs. This financial support could make the prosthesis affordable for ordinary people in Nigeria when previously, they say, it has not been. So far, the company also has orders from the US, the UK, Australia and Ghana.

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