8-year-old gets Iron Man themed 3D-printed bionic arm

DAYTON, Ohio (WKEF/WRGT) -- Heroes can be made in all kinds of ways. And for some heroes, their heroics are shown when they never let hardships hold them back.

James Parris, 8, is one of those little heroes. Born missing his left arm below the elbow, he never let that hold him back. And now, he is one of the first people in Ohio to be fit with a new type of 3D-printed bionic arm called the Hero Arm. And of course, his arm looks like Iron Man’s.

The Hero Arm is unique because unlike other 3D-printed arms, it is controlled by muscle signals in the user’s arm to position the hand in different grip patterns for various activities. Since he was fitted with his new arm, James has been using it to complete everyday tasks that a lot of people might take for granted: writing his name, mowing the lawn, playing catch, and helping his mom carry groceries.

James’ mom said that his new arm has already improved his confidence. She has been encouraging him to talk about his new Iron Man arm with the kids on his soccer team and help educate them about being born different.

According to James’ mom, the Hero Arm has already improved his confidence, even encouraging him to share about his new prosthetic arm with his soccer teammates, and help educate them about being born with limb difference.

If you would like to learn more about the Hero Arm, go here.