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iLimb Bionic Hand Now Ready For Market
The iLimb bionic hand, invented by David Gow and built by Touch Bionics, is now ready for use; it should be commercially available within the next two years. This technology has been tested by a number of people in the UK, as well as by soldiers who were maimed in Iraq.
(Lindsay Block demos her iLimb bionic hand)
Stuart Mead, chief executive at Touch Bionics, said:
"We are delighted to be the company that moves bionic hand technology from the research and development phase into the real world, and to lead a generational advance in bionics and patient care.Retired welder Donald MacKillop had an iLimb bionic hand fitted in 2006:"We have always existed to change the lives of patients with severe injuries and disabilities, and it is thrilling to feel that we are now able to accomplish that goal."
"The most important thing is the movement of the fingers, that's what really makes the difference," he said."The hand does feel like a replacement for my missing hand and it is now very natural for me to pick up all sorts of objects. It makes everyday activities much easier."
(iLimb diagram)
The iLimb bionic hand has a pretty close resemblance to the prosthetic hand that Luke Skywalker gets in Star Wars after an argument with his father.
(Luke Skywalker tests his new bionic hand)
Here's a whole handful of robot hands for you to compare to the iLimb:
- Robotic Hands Get A Grip
Blue collar droids get their wish this Christmas - better hands! - Biological Cybernetics Lab Dextrous Robot Hand
Very quick to respond, the only difference is the 'clacking' sound it made when it gestured. - Remote-Controlled Robotic Hand Performs Breast Exams
A remote-controlled robotic hand will soon enable medical specialists to examine women from anywhere in the world. - TerminatorBot CRAWLER Gives Danger Two-Fingered Salute
A rescue robot modeled on the movie Terminator. - Southampton Remedi Hand Beats Hollywood
Better than Hollywood special effects, it provides more degrees of freedom and advanced feedback control.
Scroll down for more stories in the same category. (Story submitted 7/18/2007)
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