The Helping Hands

Vera

Age 14Toronto, ON, Canada

Astronauts have bulky suits that do not allow them to grip small objects; with the Helping Hands, it would be easier to finish tasks (repairing items, etc.) with the sensitive controls. This technology is similar to a recent innovation that allows people with paralyzed limbs to move again. Pads near the arms accurately guess the astronauts motion and send signals to the artificial arms to mimic the motion. Simultaneously, pads placed near the motor cortex (a part of the brain that is responsible for movement) would relay commands from the astronaut's neurons, which would be converted to a form of code using small converters located at the back of the suit. The code could then be read by the arms as the signal is transmitted through the wires and into them.

See this brought to life!

Little Inventors team says

Wow! That is an impressive invention idea! I always thought the gloves astronauts wore look very bulky and impossible to work in, the Helping Hands is a fantastic solution and I like where you got your inspiration from. Marvellous Vera, keep on inventing, you certainly have the knack for it!

This idea has been brought to life

These robotic hands are designed to help astronauts make repairs to the outside of the International Space Station!

Her invention was brought to life by the talented Arif Urghilu at AtomHawk.

The detail is incredible and so close to Vera's drawing, we can really imagine her as an engineer up in Space!