Bionic hand that can see objects
A HIGH-tech bionic hand that can reach out and pick up objects just like a real one has been hailed by amputees.
The device, described as an “amazing breakthrough”, is now set to transform the way prosthetic limbs work.
The hand uses a micro-camera to view the object it is about to handle and sends electric signals to a computer that triggers the required movements.
This allows the hand to what kind of grip is needed.
A small number of amputees have already used the technology in a trial, developed by researchers at the University of Newcastle.
Senior lecturer Dr Kianoush Nazarpour said: “Using computer select vision, we have developed a bionic hand which can respond automatically. In fact, just like a real hand, the user can reach out and pick up a cup or a biscuit with nothing more than a quick glance in the right direction.
“Responsiveness has been one of the main barriers to artificial limbs. For many amputees the reference point is their healthy arm or leg so prosthetics seem slow and cumbersome in comparison.
“Now, for the first time in a century, we have developed an intuitive hand that can react without thinking.”
Amputee Doug McIntosh, 56, who was one of the first people to try out the “seeing hand”, described the experience as “completely mind-boggling”. He added: “This offers, for the first time, a real alternative for upper limb amputees.
“To have the option of a hand that not only looks realistic but also works like a real hand would be an amazing breakthrough and transform the recovery time for many amputees.”
Developing the new system involved “teaching” a computer how to recognise the grip needed for different objects.
The team programmed the hand to perform four different grips suitable for picking up a cup, holding a TV controller, and gripping objects with a thumb and two fingers or a pinched thumb and first finger.