Breakthroughs in the development of robotic arms are providing a new world of opportunity for children who are missing upper limbs.
Standard robotic arms have a built-in motor and battery and are controlled by a switch, but the myoelectric variety is externally powered and controlled by electrical signals generated naturally by one's own muscle movements.
Hyogo Prefectural Rehabilitation Central Hospital in Kobe is a leading robotics facility that fits artificial arms to children. It has provided training in the use of such arms since 2002.