Bionic arm to join museum’s exhibition

the world’s first bionic arm, created by Livingston-based touch Bionics is among more than 3000 objects which will go on display in 10 major new galleries opening tomorrow (Friday) at the national Museum of scotland.

the prototype arm on display in the new technology by Design gallery was fitted in august 1998 to r. Campbell aird (1951-2008), an edinburgh hotelier who had had his arm amputated to prevent the spread of cancer.

technological developments used in this arm and the modular philosophy are now in commercial use.

In the 1960s a service was set up in edinburgh to provide limbs for children affected by the thalidomide tragedy.

this led to the first nHs spinoff company to be launched through scottish Health Innovations Ltd in 2003, initially called touch eMas, but later rebranded as touch Bionics.

the company has been world-leading following the introduction in 2007 of the iLimb; the first commercially available hand to have five individually powered fingers, it is the development of the hand on the eMas. a working iLimb will also be on display in the gallery for visitors to operate.

over 3000 objects are now on display across the new galleries, three-quarters of which have not been shown for at least a generation.

this £14.1 million project is supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF), Wellcome and the scottish government, as well as other major trusts, foundations and nearly 800 generous individual donors.

gordon rintoul, director of national Museums scotland, said:“these 10 major new galleries aim to excite and engage our visitors both today and for generations to come. I look forward to welcoming people to the galleries and hope they will enjoy their visits and be inspired by our exceptional collections and innovative displays.”