Nigel Ackland: Ordinary…Extraordinary – Life with a Bionic Arm
Socrates / Podcasts
Posted on: July 15, 2013 / Last Modified: September 24, 2021
Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed
Subscribe: RSS
Nigel Ackland claims he is an ordinary man. But, after seeing the emotional impact he had on the audience at GF2045, I have to disagree with him. His speech titled Ordinary… Extraordinary. Life with a Bionic Arm was in my view by far the most moving of all the conference presentations. And so, I knew instantly that I have to interview Nigel on my Singularity 1 on 1 podcast.
During my conversation with Ackland, we cover a variety of interesting topics such as Nigel’s traumatic accident and consequent depression; the crude prosthesis he had to struggle with and the fortunate connection with RSL Steeper; his bebionic hand – the cost, availability, and operation thereof; why the major benefits of his bionic arm are psychological; the impact and importance of shaking hands; why and how the Paralympic games may become more interesting than the Olympics; whether people will eventually volunteer to get advanced prosthetics to enhance their abilities; why sensory feedback is necessary for full functionality…
As always you can listen to or download the audio file above or scroll down and watch the video interview in full. To show your support you can write a review on iTunes, make a direct donation, or become a patron on Patreon.
Nigel Ackland on life with RSLSteeper bebionic arm:
Having a bionic arm is like being human again. Psychologically I wouldn’t be without it. I can hold the phone, shake hands and wash my left hand normally. I’m back to being a two-finger typist and can even do hand signals. Not particularly functional, but the psychological benefit is immense! It has had a great impact on my life: not only does it look more like a human hand but it also functions more like a human hand.
