This woman's ‘lifelike’ bionic hand brings us closer to our replicant future

As prosthetics become more and more convincingly real, we get closer to the time when bionics and flesh—like in the film Bladerunner—become practically indistinguishable. 

 

 

A London woman who was born without a right hand has received what could be quite a "handy" prosthetic.

 

Nicky Ashwell is the first United Kingdom-based user of a myoelectric hand developed using F1 technology.

 

"(T)he bebionic small hand is built around an accurate skeletal structure with miniaturised components designed to provide the most true to life movements," an article on PR Newswire said (

http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/first-uk-user-receives-worlds-most-lifelike-bionic-hand-507566811.html).

 

Developed by prosthetic makers Steeper, the hand mimics the functions of a real hand with 14 different precision grips.

 

 

 

Ashwell, 29, was fitted with the hand at London Prosthetics Centre. Before getting this hand, she would use a cosmetic hand without movement.

 

Working as a product manager at an online fashion trend service, she learned to perform tasks with one hand.

 

"When I first tried the bebionic small hand it was an exciting and strange feeling; it immediately opened up so many more possibilities for me. I realized that I had been making life challenging for myself when I didn't need to. The movements now come easily and look natural," she said.

 

"I keep finding myself being surprised by the little things, like being able to carry my purse while holding my boyfriend's hand. I've also been able to do things never before possible like riding a bike and lifting weights," she added.

 

The Bebionic small hand, which took seven years to develop, uses sensors triggered by the user's muscle movements.

 

The company claims it used "Formula 1 techniques and military technology along with advanced materials including aerograde aluminium and rare Earth magnets. — Joel Locsin/TJD, GMA News