The original artificial hand was either incapable of movement or with the more advanced versions used a single motor to provide a minimal amount of grip that allowed the user to pick up large objects like a cup of coffee or a rolled up newspaper. While this does not seem like much, to the amputee it meant the ability to at least function especially for those who were double amputees. In recent history there have been some incredible advancements in prosthetics and the newest artificial hand is a very close facsimile of the real hand that was amputated. Every year hundreds of people lose one more of their hands in accidents. The most common accidents that result in amputation include motorcycle and on the job accidents, especially for workers in factory environments.

The hand has 27 different bones in it which along with muscles and tendons makes it almost impossible to replicate. While this may be true in some ways, in others it was more a matter of time waiting for technology to catch up with need. Modern factories have been using robotics to build the products they manufacture for years and as technology has advanced the ability of these robotic hands has become more complex than could have been imagined. Today's artificial hand is a product of these robotic devices that have been in use for quite some time. It was not just mechanical technology that had to mature, but computer technology as well. Only in the last few years has the microprocessor become small enough and powerful enough for engineers to be able to use them to control a robotic hand well enough to replace a human one without being tied to a huge mainframe computer and power supply. The processor has to be able to process minute electrical impulses that are generated by the nerves in the amputee's arm and use them to control movement in the artificial hand. Essentially the amputee has a series of sensors implanted that read the signals generated in the brain through the nerves in the arm.

These signals are the same ones that made the living hand move and are processed by the microchip control system and converted into movement by the artificial hand. The latest artificial hands are built to look exactly like the original human hand and are capable of such fine motor movement that they are capable of gentle enough touch that the user can pick up an egg or use a pen to sign their name or write a letter. Losing a hand means a person must make some major changes in their life and it is never easy, however the latest artificial hand can have the person back up and living a relatively normal life in no time. IF you or a loved one has suffered the loss of a hand and would like to know more about the artificial hands that are available today contact Ability PO for an appointment. Their team of doctors, scientists and physical therapists can help answer all of your questions and get you started on the road to recovery with one of the latest hi tech new prosthetic hands.