Future Tech

Cybernetic arm integrates an onboard drone

- Matt Boyd

The 2012 rail accident that took James Young’s left arm and right foot could have closed doors of opportunity for his future. Instead, thanks to James’s unique combination of skills, interests, and determination; a generous offer from video-game manufacturer Konami, publisher of the hugely successful Metal Gear Solid (MGS) franchise; and the creative forces behind The Alternative Limb Project, James now stands on the leading edge of prosthetic technology. More than that, he has become an enthusiastic ambassador and spokesperson for—and a walking testimony to—the beneficial merge of tech and human physiology. And James isn’t just walking; James is flying thanks to the drone, designed by Ben Lyford of London-based drone firm Mobulair, that is integrated into his arm!

I talked with both James and Ben about it, so I’ll let them take it from here.

Electric Flight: Tell us about the drone itself. What components did you use? What did you fabricate yourself? What construction parameters did you have that were different than your usual builds?