The i-LIMB Hand

I’m amazed by some of the technological advancements I have seen over the years. But when I read about the i-LIMB Hand I was in-shock. The i-LIMB Hand is the worlds first fully articulating and commercially available bionic hand.

The prosthetic hand not only functions like a real hand but it looks like a real hand. It was developed by cutting edge technology, leading mechanical engineering techniques and is manufactured using high-strength plastic.
How is the i-LIMB Hand controlled?

The i-LIMB Hand is controlled by a unique, highly intuitive control system that uses a traditional two-input myoelectric (muscle signal) to open and close the hand’s life-like fingers. Myoelectric controls utilize the electrical signal generated by the muscles in the remaining portion of the patient’s limb. This signal is picked up by electrodes that sit on the surface of the skin. Existing users of basic myoelectric prosthetic hands are able to quickly adapt to the system and can master the device’s new functionality within minutes. For new patients, the i-LIMB Hand offers a prosthetic solution that has never before been available (http://www.touchbionics.com/i-LIMB).

The i-LIMB hand allows individuals to have their hand back in some sense. They are telling which fingers to move, how to move and what to do. However, one of the hardest things is being able to figure out what brain signals tell what body parts moves. It takes time and training to adapt to their new arm. Another problem is feeling, there is no sense of nerves so is it hard to regulate how hard or soft you are squeezing something. However, with time and training individuals assimilate themselves with their new hand and learn how to properly regulate their actions.

After years of technological advancements the i-LIMB Hand has brought relief to many patients, allowing them to do things that they haven’t been able to do since they lost their arm. In this case technology is truly giving back!

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