Cambridge armed with strong idea

Engineers at the University of Cambridge have designed a device to give a "helping arm" to people with muscular weaknesses such as muscular dystrophy or motor neurone disease.

Prototypes have been assessed by more than 80 volunteers at 13 assessment centres in a programme coordinated by the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign.

The device, attached to the back of a wheelchair, supports the weight of the user's arm in a sling, enabling them to move their arm using their own muscle power.

The device was developed by Samuel Lesley, Roy Farmer and Tom Bligh. The team is collaborating with design company Neater Solutions.

Details: www.neater.co.uk