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Microsoft supports Limbitless and Cyberpunk-inspired bionic arms
EXPANDED REACH Limbitless Solutions, the UCF-based nonprofit that creates bionic arms for children, worked with the game company CD Projekt Red to turn the metallic arm of the game character Johnny Silverhand, voice by action star Keanu Reeves, from the screen to real life. The Cyberpunk-inspired bionic arms will be available to adults this year, when Limbitless anticipates starting clinical trials for those 18 and older. As part of the collaboration for the Cyberpunk release, Microsoft is donating $85,000 to help support the adult clinical trial phase when it begins. “We expect 2021 will be a big year for our program,” says Albert Manero ’12 ’14MS ’16PhD, Limbitless co-founder and CEO. “From the upcoming move into a new lab that will double our research space — to the launch of what we hope are several new clinical trials — we are committed to amplifying our impact for our community.” Limbitless Solutions launched in 2014 when a group of students worked together to create a functional 3D-printed arm for a then 6-year-old boy, Alex Pring. Since that time, the program has grown dramatically thanks to the dedication of its founders, donors and many collaborative partners. “The gaming community is super important in terms of adaptive technology and inclusion for all,” says Dominique Courbin ’18, Limbitless co-founder and director of production. “Being able to bring the expression associated with prostheses in the video game to life has been an amazing experience and one we hope will inspire our program participants.” I
Albert Manero ’12 ’14MS ’16PhD
Microsoft donation of $85,000 will support Limbitless adult clinical trials.
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