Prosthetic Technologies: South African Man Embraces New Horizons With Russian-Made Cyber Arm

In a candid interview with Sputnik Africa, Clive Padayachee recounted his experience with the Russian company's cutting-edge prosthesis, acknowledging the pivotal role it played in reclaiming mobility and rekindling a sense of completeness.

"I've been using prosthesis from Motorica for about two years now, and it's been helping me," expressed Padayachee, as he reflected on the life-changing impact of the robotic arm. "I've actually received 25% of my mobility back, and it helps a lot. It helps a lot, having the prosthesis, and it's wonderful using it."

Following the unexpected loss of his right hand due to vascular complications, the South African navigated a period of personal adjustment and resilience, drawing strength from his familial bonds and an unwaveringly positive outlook.

After facing initial challenges and limitations, the mechanic hand was a game changer, enabling Padayachee, a father of a young boy and girl, to embrace his newfound independence and accomplish tasks that were previously daunting.

"I always have been and will be a positive person. And losing my arm was not a bad experience for me, but it actually changed my life in a very, very, positive way and being positive all the time is what actually drove me to get into the prostheses so that I could get a better chance in life," he said.

Sub-Saharan Africa

24 January, 17:54

Padayachee's journey into discovering the advanced prosthesis was catalyzed by the dedicated research efforts of his wife, Michelle.

Founded in 2015, Motorica is a Russian company that uses 3D printing, artificial intelligence and neurointerfaces to develop and produce functional prosthetics for the upper extremities. The company has made more than 6500 prosthetic hands for users from 17 countries: Russia, the CIS, India, South Aisa, MENA. Motorica's products include mechanical and bionic hands, wrists, and forearms that can interact with touch screens, measure biometrics, and perform various tasks.

The family's perseverance and three-and-a-half-year-long pursuit culminated in a significant moment of transformation when he became a recipient of the innovative Russian-made mechanical prosthesis, igniting a sense of wholeness and self-sufficiency.

"After using the prosthesis or the bionic hand, I felt that I could do a lot," the South Africa banker narrated. "I was lucky to be accepted by Motorica and the hand was made for me. Thanks to my wife who actually searched around."

Expressing his aspirations for the future of prosthetic technologies, Padayachee underscored the promising prospects of artificial intelligence (AI) in shaping the evolution of advanced prostheses.

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Foreseeing remarkable strides in AI-driven control mechanisms for prosthetic limbs, he envisioned a future where individuals grappling with limb loss would experience significantly enhanced quality of life.

"AI is the future. To go into that aspect of controlling your hand, I think will be a wonderful and a very creative way," Padayachee suggested.

Moreover, Padayachee shed light on the current landscape of prosthetic solutions in South Africa, emphasizing the need for greater awareness and accessibility to advanced innovations.

He indicated a prevailing gap in the awareness of modern prosthetic advancements within the South African community, advocating for increased visibility and promotion of state-of-the-art prosthetic technologies that could empower individuals facing limb-related challenges.