Amputee Gamer Guy Gets a Cyborg Arm

a blog by Iron Horse

Shown above is James Young, not to be confused with the Boston Celtics' 20 year old Guard. This James Young is from England and he was an avid gamer before losing both his left arm and leg in an accident. ​

Independent UK - Richard Jinman

James Young knew straight away he had a better shot than most. After losing an arm and a leg in a rail accident in 2012, the 25-year-old Londoner had taught himself to use a video-game controller with one hand and his teeth. “How many amputee gamers can there be?” he asked himself.  

In the end, more than 60 people replied to the ad, which was looking for a games-mad amputee to become the recipient of a bespoke high-tech prosthetic arm inspired by Metal Gear Solid, one of the world’s best-selling computer games. Designed and built by a team of 10 experts led by London-based prosthetic sculptor Sophie de Oliveira Barata, the £60,000 carbon-fibre limb is part art project, part engineering marvel. 

I found the first part of that video to be very cool, with him just standing out in public letting strangers come up to him and ask him anything. I loved that.

Also, what a cool thing this team of experts went and did. Honestly this is the future of our world. I love seeing things like this, and I loved the fact that James seems so open minded about the whole process. It's crazy to think that this could happen to someone you know, or even worse, yourself. However, it's comforting to know that there are programs out there like this for amputees, that hopefully are on their way to becoming more affordable. Otherwise, we may end up in some sort of Elysium type scenario, which I think our planet is headed for regardless.

I just thought this story cool and would love to know what other people think about it. If you had a prosthetic arm like this, what would be some customized features you would want on yours? I know for a fact my arm would need a little cup holder that doubles as a compartment I can use to sip out of!