Bionic Hand That Can 'See' Objects In Front Of It Could Revolutionize Prosthetics

A new generation of prosthetic limbs which allow the wearer to reach for objects automatically, without thinking – just like a real hand – are to be trialed for the first time. The cutting-edge research was lead by a team at Newcastle University who claim to have developed a prosthetic hand that is able to "see" objects in front of it using a simple Logitech webcam, and respond via software to assess and grasp them. The prosthetic hand is able to see and grasp objects automatically without the need to "think"; just like a real hand, says the University The next-gen prosthetic hand works via a fitted camera which instantaneously takes a picture of the object in front of it, assesses its shape and size and triggers a series of movements in the hand. Bypassing the usual processes which require the user to see the object, physically stimulate the muscles in the arm and trigger a movement in the prosthetic limb, the hand'sees' and reacts in one fluid movement. The Newcastle University research team said it is working with experts at Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust to offer the'hands with eyes' to patients at Newcastle's Freeman Hospital.