Scientists at Italy's Institute of
Biorobiotics in Pisa have developed a bionic hand said to be
functional as well as realistic in appearance, the institute
announced on Monday.
'My-Hand', the short name for the Myoelectric-Hand
prosthesis project, saw the research team work with designers to
create an "artificial limb to show off and not hide," said
coordinator Christian Cipriani.
The next-generation prosthesis has a silicon-coated
exoskeleton supported by thin titanium sheets, weighing just
over 7 ounces, which is less than half the weight of a more
conventional artificial hand.
It will be offered in a range of skin tones.
The hand is operated by a high-tech interface developed
from European project WAY and not surgically implanted.
"We thought to use a minimum number of engines to allow the
hand to perform all the movements of everyday life", design
engineer Marco Controzzi said.
MyHand is conduction month-long human testing with
volunteers.
One was 32-year-old Mirco Menini.
"I had a good impression. It's possible to execute more
movements and grasp more delicate objects, such as a sheet of
paper".
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