Danielle Clode

 The Third Thumb is a 3D printed human hand extension controlled by the feet. It investigates the relationship between bodily movement and the control of body connected technology.

The Third Thumb began as a research project into upper-limb prosthetics; how they attach to the body, the human/robot aesthetic and how they are controlled by the body. Early on, I found that the origin of the word ‘prosthesis’ meant ‘an addition to’ yet somehow it has evolved to describe a body part replacement, or a way to ‘fix’ a broken body. I feel that prosthetics are extensions to the body. Our societal norms of what a ‘normal’ body has generated an idea of perfect body aesthetic, but this is evolving.

A prosthetic extends the body, but is more than just a product; it sits in an area between the body and a product. It is controlled by the body like a tool, yet the locomotion of it can be learned to the level of automation of a body part. I created the Third Thumb to understand and work with this connection that can form between the body and a piece of prosthetic technology. 

The motion of the Third Thumb is created by wires attached to motors on the wrist. The human thumb has a really dynamic movement, it can reach in, and across the hand, and up towards the fingers and back. These opposing movements working together make the thumb more functional than a single finger. I’ve replicated these movements by using two motors pulling against the natural pull back of a flexible 3d printed material. The motors are controlled by two pressure sensors retrofitted into your shoes, under your toes, and communicates to the thumb via Bluetooth connection. The foot control is inspired by products that help to develop the already strong connection between our hands and our feet. For example driving a car, using a sewing machine, or playing a piano.