A recent media event held at the Otto Bock Science Center Medical Technology presented an impressive example of what technology for people can do: Christian Kandlbauer drives a car with two prosthetic arms.
Christian Kandlbauer uses his myoelectric DynamicArm® to operate the steering wheel. On the left, he has been fitted with the first mind-controlled arm prosthesis in Europe. It represents the realisation of a medical technology vision - an intuitively controlled prosthesis - and allows him to control the direction indicator lights, horn and all other safety-related devices. Otto Bock and PARAVAN, the global market leader in the conversion of vehicles for the disabled, equipped his series vehicle with special customised accessories.
Christian Kandlbauer passed his driving test with flying colours. His vehicle with its special equipment has been approved by the TÜV. Ever since then he has been driving the seven kilometres from his home to his place of work in the Steiermark independently and without assistance. Christian Kandlbauer summarises the impact on his life as follows: "For me, getting my driver's license and a car means even more freedom."
Subsequent questions from journalists to Professor Hans Georg Näder, chairman and CEO of Otto Bock HealthCare, Roland Arnold, CEO of PARAVAN, Dr. Hubert Egger, head of the Research and Development project for the mind-controlled arm and Christian Kandlbauer himself revolved around the functionality of this one-of-a-kind prosthesis developed by Otto Bock and the vehicle converted by PARAVAN. Answers to these questions can be found here:
