July 18, 2007 10:00 AM PDT
Touch Bionics patient John German uses his i-Limb Hand to peel a banana.
A benefit of the i-Limb Hand is that it allows people to grasp objects with an appropriate level of sensitivity, depending on what they're picking up. It can use a firmer grip for heavy or solid objects, and a lighter grip for delicate objects, such as a Styrofoam cup. The i-Limb can detect when each finger has a sufficient grip on the object and signals them to stop powering. The fingers then stay in a locked position until the patient triggers them to open by flexing a muscle.
The i-Limb is powered by a battery that can last for about a day and be charged overnight.
Photo by Touch Bionics
