BodyHacking Con announces The Phantom Limb Project To Be Featured & Filmed at Event in Austin, TX
Austin, TX (PRWEB) February 02, 2016 -- BDYHAX, Austin’s inaugural bodyhacking and biohacking convention, is thrilled to announce the latest featured presentation to the lineup: The Phantom Limb Project, a highly stylized and multi-functional prosthetic limb inspired by KONAMI’s METAL GEAR SOLID V: THE PHANTOM PAIN.
KONAMI has been working closely with renowned prosthetics artist and innovator Sophie De Oliveira Barata, as well as a team of engineers, roboticists and product designers, to produce this custom prosthetic limb for 25 year-old Londoner James Young, who lost both an arm and a leg in a tragic accident. Despite his loss, James’ love of video games was so powerful he became extremely adept at playing games one-handed, which confirmed he was the perfect candidate to receive, appreciate, and benefit most from this unique prosthetic.
Su-Yina Farmer, KONAMI’s European Communications Manager, notes that, "James was at the very heart of the design process, as it was imperative that the arm was practical to his unique requirements as well as look incredible. The end result will be an arm which is as much an extension of James’ personality, as it is his body, and we’re so excited to reveal his amazing new arm to the world.”
The prosthetic arm features a 3D printed bionic hand, which has been provided by Open Bionics, and will enable James to perform a number of gestures such as a hand shake, all controlled by tensing his shoulder muscles in a certain pattern. The main structure of the arm is made of high-grade carbon fibre provided by Global Racing Technologies, making it light but incredibly strong. Not only that, but Sophie De Oliveira Barata is building in the capacity for incorporating usb-powered attachments for the prosthetic as well.
James, the project, and some of the creators will be in attendance during the BDYHAX convention in February to give a detailed presentation on the remarkable process and prosthetic limb itself. A BBC 3 documentary covering the journey of this project, from design to development to production, is also set to capture footage during the convention in Austin.
Sophie De Oliveira Barata began her career by making hyper-realistic prosthetic limbs for amputees, but after discovering the demand for unique, stylish prosthetics which matched the personality and aesthetics of its user, she created the Alternative Limb Project. In addition to the Phantom Limb Project, Sophie has created stunning bespoke prosthetics ranging from steampunk to the crystalline creation featured during the 2012 Paralympics.
About BDYHAX
Bodybuilders, tattoo enthusiasts, tech folk, and every other group out there have their own conventions focused on precisely what they’re already into. BDYHAX is a little different. By bringing everyone together we want to expand horizons, create new connections, and, hopefully, encourage new frontiers to be explored. Join us as bodyhackers from all walks of life share philosophies, technologies, and maybe the occasional cocktail, all in the name of altering the human body as its owner sees fit. To view the full BDYHAX lineup and register for the event, visit https://bodyhackingcon.com/.
Trevor Goodman, Trammell Ventures, http://www.bodyhackingcon.com, +1 (512) 692-7184 Ext: 236, [email protected]
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