Robert Downey Jr. is one of Hollywood’s most charismatic and popular figures. It’s easy to see why after this tremendous gesture.
It all starts with a nonprofit, Limbitless Solutions, that uses bionic technology to aid children born with underdeveloped arms. The organization and its senior director, Fulbright Scholar Albert Manero, have been featured by the Microsoft-backed Collective Project. Their work caught the eye of a “fellow bionics expert.”
That’s Downey Jr., in character as Tony Stark, preparing to greet a seven-year-old superhero fanatic named Alex — “the most dapper 7-year-old I’ve ever met.”
“Hey, Alex. How are you? Pleasure to meet you. I’m another bionics expert on-hand, so I thought I’d drop by,” he says, shaking Alex’s hand.
“Thank you,” he responds. Shocked. And clearly excited beyond words.
“Tony” tells Alex that he brought along some Iron Man technology from the lab — that includes equipment made for a kid. And this isn’t just a prop. It’s a full-on Iron Man arm.
“God, dude, it’s even cooler than I thought.”
Manero’s work, as awesome in appearance as it is in utility, opened up to Microsoft about his efforts.
“My parents always encouraged me to use my education to help others and to dream big dreams,” he told the company’s blog. “Now I want to inspire others to help engineer hope for the world.”
According to Microsoft, the bionic limbs he constructs use electrical muscular signals to control movement. Arms are just the first step — legs and elbow joints are next.
You know — almost enough for a full Iron Man suit.
Watch the outstanding video of Downey Jr.’s visit with Alex below.
Post by Robert Downey Jr.
