The Claw from Backyard Brains Is a New Neuroprosthetic Robot Kit Allowing Anyone to Control a Robotic Hand Using Only Their Brain
Ann Arbor, MI (PRWEB) August 09, 2016 -- Backyard Brains, the Michigan-based biotech startup providing neuroscience education products for everyone, announced today the launch of “The Claw!” Bundle, a robotic gripper that lets anyone get started with their very first brain machine interface while delivering a hands-on robotics and neuroscience experiment experience. The laser cut acrylic frame and motorized gripping “claw” looks like a pair of cockroach legs. It’s designed to interface with Backyard Brains’ Muscle SpikerShield kit that allows a person to control devices, such as robots, video games, LEDs, other people – and now The Claw – with their body’s own muscle electrical signals. It plugs directly into the Muscle SpikerShield and works “out of the box”. When used, the legs come together to grip, like a hand, onto an object when activated. The degree of movement and gripping strength are responsive to how much the person flexes their muscle.
“Our newest kit – The Claw! – applies the same concepts being used by professional researchers and developers who are working towards developing robotic prosthetics for people who have suffered traumatic injury or loss of a limb,” said Backyard Brains’ Co-Founder and Engineer Greg Gage, Ph.D. “Imagine, a robotic arm and hand controlled by flexing muscles in the shoulder? How about an arm controlled by the power of thought alone? Studying neuroscience has traditionally been cost prohibitive, but Backyard Brains is leading the way for a new generation of DIY neuroscientists by creating premium kits, such as The Claw! that lets you dive right into the growing field of neuroprosthetics. The next big breakthrough in neuroscience might come from a school classroom, a community makerspace or even your own backyard,” concluded Gage.
Included in The Claw! Bundle is:
- 1x motor operated Roach Claw.
- 1x Arduino with preloaded code.
- 1x RoachClaw Specialized Muscle SpikerShield that mates with Arduino.
- 1x orange Muscle Electrode Cable with 3 alligator clips (Red,Red,Black)
- 2x 9v Battery
The Claw! is available online at http://www.backyardbrains.com and is $189.99. Follow Backyard Brains on Twitter at @BackyardBrains or Like them on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/BackyardBrains/
About Backyard Brains
The need for neuroscientific studies is urgent with a staggering 1 in 5 of the world’s population developing a neurological disorder. Since 2010, the Ann Arbor, Michigan based biotech startup founded by University of Michigan Neuroscience graduate students, Greg Gage, Ph.D., and Tim Marzullo Ph.D., have passionately responded to this need by providing exposure, education as well as designing and creating experiment kits for all ages which deliver “Neuroscience for Everyone”. Both Gage and Marzullo have been dubbed Champions of Change by The White House and Gage’s TED Talks - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rSQNi5sAwuc - have become powerfully viral with millions of views worldwide.
Ria Romano, PR Manager, Backyard Brain, http://www.backyardbrains.com, +1 786-290-6413, [email protected]
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