Bionic Hand Provides Strength and Haptic Feedback

Sept. 2, 2021
Psyonic's Ability Hand offers impressive dexterity via feedback loop.

Pysonic's Ability Hand uses sensory feedback utilizing low-cost pressure sensors on each finger tip. All five fingers can individually flex and extend, and the thumb rotates, too. Most commercially available prosthetic hands target males with larger limbs, whereas the Ability Hand is available as a 50th percentile female-sized. It also weighs 20% less than the average human hand.

The user manipulates the hand using his or her muscles and the feedback is provided in the same area. The hand also can be controlled by an app on a smartphone. The Ability Hand works with most third-party EMG pattern recognition systems, EMG direct control systems, linear transducers and force-sensitive resistors.

Clinicians and patients had indicated that breakage was the number one problem with bionic hands, which can cost as much as $30,000. The Ability Hand fingers are made of polyurethane and silicone, giving them compliance while allowing them to withstand blunt force impacts. Experiments with the prototypes show that the compliant finger design absorbs at least 10 times more energy on impact compared to a conventional rigid finger design. The fingers survived an impact that even a 1045 HR steel bar could not withstand. Each finger can hold up to 38 lb, while the hand can hold over 50 lb.

This video appeared in Electronic Design.

About the Author

William G. Wong

Bill Wong is senior content director for Electronic Design.

Sponsored Recommendations

How efficient are tracking solar panels?

March 25, 2025
Are tracking solar panels energy efficient? We look at the different types of tracking motors for renewable energy sources and what makes them so efficient.

Developing the Next Generation of Conveyor Systems

March 25, 2025
Choosing between an AC and DC motor for your application can be difficult, especially if requirements are unknown. Find out more on our page!

Drive systems for urban air mobility

March 18, 2025
The shift of some of our transport traffic from the road to the air through urban air mobility is one of the most exciting future fields in the aerospace industry.

Blazing the trail for flying robots

March 18, 2025
Eight Bachelor students built a flying manipulator that can hover in any orientation and grasp objects. The drone is even more maneuverable than a quadrocopter and was designed...

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of Machine Design, create an account today!