Swedish scientists develop robotic hand that has sense of touch

From Sky News in the UK:

Swedish scientists have developed the first robotic hand to give amputees a sense of touch.

The Smarthand contains 40 sensors that are activated when pressed against an object.

They stimulate nerves in the arm to activate the appropriate part of the brain, allowing patients to feel objects they are holding.

Sensory feedback has always been the Holy Grail for scientists developing prosthetic limbs.

"It's a feeling I have not had in a long time," said Robin af Ekenstam, the first amputee to try the hand.

"When I grab something tightly I can feel it in the fingertips. It's strange since I don't have them any more! It's amazing."

The Smarthand has four motors, which move the thumb and fingers.

The motors are connected to nerves in the arm that once moved Mr af Ekenstam's real digits.

He is able to pick up a plastic water bottle, without crushing it, and pour himself a drink.

Professor Goran Lundborg, a surgeon at Malmo University Hospital, said the artificial hand was a significant advance.

"If you find the right spot the correct areas of the brain cortex will be activated.

"If you put pressure on the index finger of the artificial hand then the index finger area of the brain will be activated," he said.

The research is funded by the European Commission.