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What is the LUKE arm?

The LUKE arm is a modular prosthetic arm that is configurable for different levels of amputation including transradial, transhumeral, and shoulder disarticulation. In its maximum configuration, it has 10 powered degrees of freedom including a powered shoulder, humeral rotator, and wrist flexor with ulnar/radial deviation. Multiple powered degrees of freedom can be moved at the same time. The hand has multiple, preprogrammed grips using four individually controlled degrees of freedom. The hand also includes a sensor that provides grip force feedback. The LUKE arm provides resistance against light rain and fine dust, allowing wearers peace of mind when using the arm outside the home.

The LUKE arm system consists of a prosthetic arm and accessories which are used by a certified prosthetist to create a full upper extremity prosthesis indicated for individuals, age 18 years and older, who have partial or full upper limb amputations or congenital defects. The device is used to assist in activities of daily living (ADLs).

Caution: Federal law restricts this device to sale by or on the order of a licensed healthcare professional. The LUKE arm is not appropriate for all users. Areas to consider in the evaluation of LUKE prosthesis suitability may include: skin conditions of the residuum such as burns or poor skin coverage, significant peripheral neuropathy, significant comorbidities which interfere with the ability to control the prosthesis, significant uncorrectable visual deficits that would impair the ability to see prosthesis movement, its controls or its indicators. Inappropriate use of the of the LUKE arm could result in serious harm or death.

Is the LUKE arm available for purchase?

The LUKE arm is currently available for sale in the US.*

Contact us for more information.

*Federal law restricts this device to be sold by or on the order of a licensed healthcare professional.

How much does the LUKE arm cost?

There are many variables that must be determined by the prosthetist such as the level of amputation, fitting of the socket, training, follow up care and ongoing support. Therefore, an estimated cost can only be determined when a specific patient’s case is under review by a certified prosthetist.

What makes the LUKE arm stand out from other upper limb prostheses on the market today?

  • The only powered shoulder commercially available
  • Powered humeral rotation
  • Multi-function powered wrist with pronation/supination as well as wrist flexion/extension with combined ulnar/radial deviation
  • Modular configurations to fit different amputation levels
  • Mobius Bionics’ own IMUs (Inertial Measurement Units) are a brand new way to control a powered prosthesis
  • Protection against water/dust
  • Grip force feedback

What levels of amputation are compatible?

This will ultimately be determined by you and your prosthetist to ensure the LUKE arm is a good fit for your residuum and overall ability to control a powered prosthesis.

SHOULDER CONFIGURATION
For amputees with little or no residual limb.
The shoulder configuration offers 10 powered degrees of freedom.

HUMERAL CONFIGURATION
For amputees with a residual limb below the shoulder but not including the elbow.
The humeral configuration offers 8 powered degrees of freedom.

RADIAL CONFIGURATION
The shortest of the three configurations is for amputees with a residual limb below the elbow but not including the wrist.
The radial configuration offers 6 powered degrees of freedom.

What are the dimensions?

Depending on the configuration, the upper arm and forearm can be configured to different lengths to match the user’s sound side.

See the Product Specifications for more information.

How much does the LUKE arm weigh?

With respect to the 3 available configurations, they weigh roughly the same as an average human arm.

Shoulder Configuration:    4.7kg

Humeral Configuration:     3.4kg

Radial Configuration:         1.4kg

How much weight can the arm/hand hold?

The amount of weight that can be carried or moved using the arm system depends on the fit of the user’s socket, their body’s ability to support the load and the arm’s position.

The arm system has been designed for activities of daily living. This includes such tasks as moving a gallon of milk around or lifting a bag of groceries.

Is it waterproof?

The LUKE arm is resistant to light rain and fine dust.

  • The body worn components of the arm system other than the IMUs, when installed and covers are in place, have an IP52* rating which provides resistance to light rain and fine dust.
  • The IMUs have an IP57* rating which provides resistance to water at depths up to 1 m (39 inches) and resistance to fine dust.

*The Ingress Protection (IP) rating specifies the strength of an enclosure against solids (such as dust) and liquids.

How is it controlled?

The LUKE arm has a flexible control system that allows the arm to be controlled by a variety of industry standard input devices such as surface EMG electrodes, pressure switches, rocker switches, etc.

Mobius Bionics also offers our exclusive IMUs (inertial measurement units) as another way to control the prosthesis. These are typically worn on the shoes and use all four directions: anterior (toe), posterior (heel), medial (inside), and lateral (outside) to translate each foot movement to a specific hand/arm action which is configurable by you and your prosthetist.

How is the LUKE arm powered?

The LUKE arm is powered with rechargeable lithium-ion batteries. The humeral and shoulder configurations have an optional internal lithium-ion battery that can be used in conjunction with the external battery to extend usage time.

Arm Configuration Available Battery Type
Internal Battery Internal with External External Battery Only
Radial ––– –––
Humeral
Shoulder

How long do the batteries last?

Actual usage time will vary based on use patterns, battery age, and arm configuration.

Does the LUKE arm provide any feedback to the user?

The wrist display on the forearm will provide visual feedback to the user on the status of the arm. Including whether it is in hand or arm mode, current grip selection, battery levels, low battery icons and fault icons, all of which illuminate to inform the wearer of the status of the entire system.

Additionally, the system has an optional feature to include a Tactor. The tactor is a sensory output device which uses vibration to provide alerts and sensory feedback to the user such as mode changes and grip force feedback from the hand. As the user grips an object tighter they will receive more vibrational feedback from the tactor.

How fast does the arm/hand move?

The speed of the LUKE arm and the sensitivity of each input can be configured by the prosthetist based on the patient’s preferences and abilities. As the wearer becomes more proficient with the arm, the prosthetist can increase/decrease the speed of each action.

Is there any routine maintenance required?

It is recommended to periodically clean the arm with a wash cloth wetted with water and a mild detergent such as hand soap, paying special attention to the joints and recesses of the covers. Another option is to wipe the hand cover with hand sanitizer.

Over time the fingernails, finger covers, and hand covers can become worn or in some cases may tear. Contact your prosthetist for replacement fingernails, screws, finger covers, and hand covers that you or your prosthetist can install.

After the arm has been in use for 18 months, it should be returned to the manufacturer for scheduled service.

Can I use a 3rd party glove/cosmesis?

You may use alternative cosmeses with the LUKE arm system, however it may reduce the speed or grip force of the hand. Load capacity and range of motion may also be affected.

As a result, it is recommended to use the Mobius Bionics glove that is provided with the LUKE arm. This will allow for a better grip, proper use of the functional fingernails, ensuring full range of motion can be reached along with providing accurate protection against water and fine dust.

Other questions?

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