The bebionic myo-electic robotic hand was officially launched at the combined ISPO (International Society for Prosthetics and Orthotics) World Congress Meeting and Orthopädie + Reha-Technik Trade Show in Leipzig, Germany. (I described this little handful of technovelgy earlier this year - see BeBionic Robotic Hand With Powered Wrist.)
Featuring individual motors for each digit the hand moves and grips in a natural and coordinated way, providing compliant and conformable grips around complex shapes. On board microprocessors constantly monitor the positions of the fingers so that grip sequences are accurate every time. The hand electronics sense if a gripped item is slipping and automatically tightens the grip to maintain a secure and safe hold.
The hand has two user selectable thumb positions; opposed or non-opposed, with an in-built sensor detecting the position. The non-opposed position controls key grip and finger point whilst the opposed position controls tripod and power grip.
“We were overwhelmed with the level of interest and enthusiasm bebionic received at the Congress. The feedback from those visiting the stand, including clinicians and end users has been truly outstanding. bebionic’s advanced technology offers unique features combined with a life-like design and at a reasonable price offers amputees’ worldwide improved aesthetics and dynamic function for active everyday living.”
Philip K. Dick wrote about robotic hands early on - see the entry for his robotic surgeon hand from his 1955 short story War Veteran as well as the interchangeable hands from his 1965 novel The Three Stigmata of Palmer Eldritch.
You'll be able to buy the bebionic robotic hand worldwide starting in June.
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