The i-LIMB hand, made by Touch Bionics of Livingston, was in 2007 the world's first commercially available bionic hand to have five individually powered fingers. The motion of the fingers is controlled through sensors which pick up tiny electric signals from nearby muscles. This hand can either be covered in a cosmetic glove which mimics the look of human skin, or one which shows off the engineering.
It is a successful result of pioneering research in prosthetics which has been undertaken in Edinburgh since 1963, initially seeking to support children affected by Thalidomide, but later investigating more natural grip patterns and a modular construction of hands for patients with different needs. Both these aspects of research are present in the i-LIMB hand.
Touch Bionics were awarded one of the Queen's Awards for Enterprise in 2010.
Bionic Hand
Contributed by National Museums Scotland
Most of the content on A History of the World is created by the contributors, who are the museums and members of the public. The views expressed are theirs and unless specifically stated are not those of the ´óÏó´«Ã½ or the British Museum. The ´óÏó´«Ã½ is not responsible for the content of any external sites referenced. In the event that you consider anything on this page to be in breach of the site’s House Rules please Flag This Object.
About this object
Click a button to explore other objects in the timeline
- Location
-
2007
- Culture
- Period
-
2007
- Theme
- Size
-
- H:
- 20cm
- W:
- 15cm
- D:
- 5cm
- Colour
- Material
View more objects from people in Edinburgh and East of Scotland.
Find out more
Podcast
Highlights from the collection
´óÏó´«Ã½ iD
´óÏó´«Ã½ navigation
´óÏó´«Ã½ links
´óÏó´«Ã½ © 2014 The ´óÏó´«Ã½ is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read more.
This page is best viewed in an up-to-date web browser with style sheets (CSS) enabled. While you will be able to view the content of this page in your current browser, you will not be able to get the full visual experience. Please consider upgrading your browser software or enabling style sheets (CSS) if you are able to do so.
Share this link: