From the article:
For Barnes, the device needed to be able to take cues from the human body. The lab designed a prosthesis that uses a technique called electromyography to pick up on electrical signals in the upper arm muscles. By tensing his biceps, Barnes controls a small motor that changes how tightly the prosthetic arm grips the drumstick and how quickly it moves, vital skills for a drummer.

The researchers then added another layer of complexity: a second, autonomous drumstick on the robot arm (see photo). This second stick, controlled via its own motor, uses a microphone and an accelerometer to sense the rhythm Barnes is playing, as well as music from any nearby musicians. An algorithm then produces a new beat with a complementary rhythm and melody, modelled on the music of jazz greats like John Coltrane and Thelonious Monk.

With this extra artificial intelligence, human and machine combine to make Barnes a kind of "superhuman drummer", Weinberg says.

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>> ^deadgoon:
What the fuck is a "nazzy"?


It's like a dutch windmill, but with a prosthetic arm.

>> ^westy:
"ITS THE END OF THE PAST GUYS "!


I CAN FIRMLY STATE THAT THE PAST IS ALL BEHIND US NOW!

>> ^quantumushroom:
As long as dem hands can hold the handlebars of a Segway (and Fleshlight) ALL SYSTEMS GO.


Thanks for reminding me about the time Bush fell flat on his face trying to use a Segway... That was priceless...

But seriously, that's just plain tasteless, even for you, QM. Good to know there's people like you to "support" our troops, especially those who have given more than they should have.

Back to the vid though this is awesome, however, I'm a bit concerned of the obvious (to me at least) military applications. Why send a soldier home minus an arm when you can put him back on the battlefield thanks to a prosthetic with an integrated firearm (no pun intended)?

Then again, I'm a huge Ghost in the Shell fan... so maybe I'm just paranoid.

<cliche>
I for one welcome our new cyborg overlords...
</cliche>

Your video, Cutting Edge Prosthetic Arms, has made it into the Top 15 New Videos listing. Congratulations on your achievement. For your contribution you have been awarded 1 Power Point.

Would've been funnier if he had prosthetic arms but didn't tell anyone.

"OH NYET!"

Pretty cool stuff! There are a number of prosthetic arms that utilize the same sort of chest-muscle sensors for control coming onto the market, as well.

If you were curious about the intro note, this man has 'SCI T8', a spinal cord injury at the level of his 8th vertebrae (which actually results in a 'T12' neurological pathology, where legs and bowels are no longer in controllable communique with the brain).

This is the best prosthetic arm I have ever seen. Period. And it's not even finished.