Scientists at the University of Science and Technology of China (USTC) have developed a biomimetic hand prosthesis capable of performing complex movements, including sign language, using scissors, operating a smartphone, and combing hair.
According to China Daily, a partner of TV BRICS, the prosthesis’s key feature is its high degree of mobility. Weighing 370 grams, lighter than a human hand, the device possesses 19 active degrees of freedom, representing the range of movements the artificial limb can perform. Shape-memory alloys are incorporated into its construction, enabling the hand to move in a natural manner.
The device is also equipped with 23 sensors for precise control and supports voice commands in 60 languages with high recognition accuracy.
A 60-year-old patient mastered the prosthesis within a few hours during trials and successfully completed functional hand tests.
The scientists involved in the development said this advancement opens new possibilities in prosthetics and robotics, medicine, and industry. The device could be used in complex environments, including nuclear facility maintenance, deep-sea operations, and high-precision manufacturing processes.
