The majority of exoskeletons are large, pricy wearables made to lessen the strain on bodily components like the back, shoulders, and arms. The Artus is unique in that it is designed to shield the fingers. and the price is under $110 USD.
Manufactured by German company Digity, the Artus is designed mainly to keep the finger joints from overextending, reports Ben Coxworth in New Atlas.
This implies that the user's finger would be prevented from stretching backward to the point where tendon or tissue injury would develop in its joints, for example, if they often pressed down on the operating buttons of a machine. This kind of injury usually develops gradually through repeated activities rather than all at once.
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Having said that, cutting and crushing injuries are also protected against by the Artus.
The gadget is made up of three articulated nylon segments—two in the thumb's case—that are connected by polymer/stainless steel joints called DigiLocks. According to reports, such joints permit the finger to easily move within its usual range of motion but lock to prevent the finger from bending backwards more than it should.
Users can maintain the tactile sensitivity required for fine tasks like handling microscopic objects by using openings beneath each fingerpad, which is coated with a thin foam called DigiSkin.
The Artus is currently priced at €100 (about $109) per exoskeleton and is marketed towards industrial corporate clients.