About The Third Hand

What is the THIRD HAND and how it works :

The Third Hand is an artificial hand. Although it is attached to the right arm, it is independent from his biological hands. It is an additional one rather than a replacement.

To control the Third Hand is a very technical process. In the most simple way to explain, this is how it works :
1.) there are electrodes placed on Stelarc’s abdominal and leg muscles.
2.) when Stelarc contract these muscles, the electrodes will detect the EMG signals which release from the movement of those muscles.
3.) the EMG signals act as connector between Stelarc and the Third Hand which stelarc can activate the motion of the Third Hand by controlling his abdominal and leg muscles.

Here is the layout of the setting of the Third Hand.

In this case, Stelarc is able to control the third hand independently from his real hands. The THIRD HAND is able to pinch, grasp and release; and the wrist can rotate as well. It also has a tactile feedback system which Stelarc can even have a “sense of touch” through the Third Hand.

Maybe you will think it would be difficult to control the Third Hand as you have to control consciously. However, Stelarc has already get used to control it which he can now operate the Third Hand as his biological hands – without effort and do not need conscious focus.

Reference :
Stelarc official website : http://www.stelarc.va.com.au/third/third.html