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i-LIMB bionic hand, fitted with a protective glove, being used to grasp a ball. This is the i-LIMB Hand model, developed by the Scottish company Touch Bionics and launched in 2007. This 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. Donald McKillop (right) was the first person to be fitted with an i-LIMB bionic hand. (KEYSTONE/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY/PHILIPPE PSAILA)