Amputee Receives Lifelike Bebionic Bionic Hand

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A congenital amputee from London has become the first user in the UK to be fitted with a new prosthetic hand that launches today and sets a new benchmark in small myoelectric hands. Developed using F1 technology and specifically in scale for women and teenagers*, the bebionic small hand is built around an accurate skeletal structure with miniaturized components designed to provide the most true to life movements.

Bionics (also known as bionical creativity engineering) is defined as the application of biological methods and systems found in nature to the study and design of engineering systems and modern technology. An example of bionics use for persons with disabilities is Ekso Bionics is intelligently powered exoskeleton bionic devices that can be strapped on as wearable robots to enhance the strength, mobility, and endurance of soldiers and paraplegics. Another use is in the field of prosthetics for amputees.

The word "bionic" was popularized by the 1970's television series "The Six Million Dollar Man" and "The Bionic Woman" , which were based upon the novel Cyborg by Martin Caidin, which was influenced by Steele's work, and feature humans given superhuman powers by electromechanical implants.

Bebionic Small Hand

The bebionic small hand, developed by prosthetic experts Steeper, will enable fundamental improvements in the lives of thousands of amputees across the world. The hand marks a turning point in the world of prosthetics as it perfectly mimics the functions of a real hand via 14 different precision grips. A bionic extension of the arm that enables the utmost dexterity will enable amputees to engage in a range of activities that would have previously been complex and unmanageable.

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Nicky Ashwell, 29, born without a right hand, received Steeper's latest innovation at a fitting by The London Prosthetics Center, a private facility providing expert services in cutting-edge prosthetics. Before being fitted with the bebionic small hand, Nicky would use a cosmetic hand without movement; as a result, Nicky learned to carry out tasks with one hand.

The bebionic small hand has been a major improvement to Nicky's life, enabling her to do things previously impossible with one hand such as riding a bike, gripping weights with both hands, using cutlery and opening her purse.

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Nicky, who is a Product Manager at an online fashion forecasting and trend service, said;

"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; 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."

The technology behind bebionic small hand Bebionic small hand works using sensors triggered by the user's muscle movements that connect to individual motors in each finger and powerful microprocessors. The technology comprises a unique system which tracks and senses each finger through its every move - mimicking the functions of a real hand. Development follows seven years of research and manufacturing, including the use of Formula 1 techniques and military technology along with advanced materials including aero-grade aluminum and rare Earth magnets.

Ted Varley, Technical Director at Steeper said;

"Looking to the future, there's a trend of technology getting more intricate; Steeper has embraced this and created a smaller hand with advanced technology that is suitable for women and teenagers. An accurate skeletal structure was firstly developed, with the complex technology then specifically developed to fit within this in order to maintain anatomical accuracy. In other myoelectric hands the technology is developed first, at the expense of the lifelikeness."

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Bebionic small hand at a glance:

• Weighs approximately 390g - the same as a large bar of Galaxy chocolate
• 165mm from base to middle fingertip - the size of an average woman's hand
• Strong enough to handle up to 45kg - around the same as 25 bricks
• 14 grip patterns and hand positions to allow a range of precision movements
• Contains 337 mechanical parts
• The only multi-articulated hand with patented finger control system using rare Earth magnets

*Specifically designed with women, teenagers and smaller framed men in mind.

Attribution/Source(s):

This quality-reviewed article relating to our Prostheses - Prosthetics section was selected for publishing by the editors of Disabled World due to its likely interest to our disability community readers. Though the content may have been edited for style, clarity, or length, the article "Amputee Receives Lifelike Bebionic Bionic Hand" was originally written by Steeper, and published by Disabled-World.com on 2015/06/16 (Updated: 2021/08/17). Should you require further information or clarification, Steeper can be contacted at steepergroup.com. Disabled World makes no warranties or representations in connection therewith.

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