Scientists develop bionic hand that can feel

A new type of bionic hand could revolutionise the lives of amputees by restoring their ability to touch.

The first of the new artificial hands will be transplanted on to a man in his 20s later this year. To make tactile feedback possible, the wiring of the hand will be connected to the patient's nervous system via electrodes making it possible for him to both control the device and to feel sensations from the hand's touch sensors.

"This is real progress, real hope for amputees," said Dr. Silvestro Micera. "It will be the first prosthetic that will provide real-time sensory feedback for grasping. It is clear that the more sensory feeling an amputee has, the more likely you will get full acceptance of that limb."


  View: Full article |  Source: Independent

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