Long Island, NY – Five-year-old Jordan Marotta has become the youngest recipient of a state-of-the-art bionic arm. Born without a left hand, Jordan now sports an ‘Iron Man ‘-inspired red and gold bionic arm, designed at his request, earning him superhero status.
Jordan’s mother, Ashley Marotta, 38, shared her excitement with The New York Post, recalling the moment Jordan joyfully raised his new hand and shouted “Taxi!” on the streets of Manhattan. The pair traveled from their home in Dix Hills to the Open Bionics office on Park Avenue for Jordan’s fitting.
Exceptional candidate
Normally reserved for older children, Jordan’s physical and emotional maturity made him an ideal candidate for the advanced prosthetic. Daniel Green, a certified prosthetist and orthotist at Open Bionics, noted that Jordan’s case set a new record for the youngest recipient.
What is a bionic arm?
The non-invasive bionic arm, affectionately referred to by Jordan and his family as “nubby,” attaches seamlessly to his left arm. It uses electrodes and sensors to detect muscle contractions, enabling natural hand and finger movements. The arm is powered by a rechargeable battery with a 14-hour life that takes about a month to produce.
Jordan is not the only child benefiting from these advanced prosthetics. Last year, 10-year-old Harry Jones from the UK received an ‘Iron Man’-themed bionic arm, crafted by Open Bionics. Born without his right arm below the elbow, Harry had always dreamed of having a robotic arm. His new bionic arm mimics natural hand movements and features a “freeze mode,” allowing him to hold objects and participate in activities like biking and kart racing with his friends.
