image

i-LIMB bionic hand and skin prosthesis. The i-LIMB range of bionic hands was developed by the Scottish company Touch Bionics and launched in 2007. The original i-LIMB Hand model was the first powered prosthetic hand that had articulating fingers. These fingers, independently powered, are capable of opening and closing around objects. The fingers and wrist of the bionic hand are operated through electrodes connected to the user's remaining arm muscles, a technique known as myoelectric control. The livingskin prostheses (imitating human skin) were added to the range in 2008. (KEYSTONE/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY/PHILIPPE PSAILA)