Scottish firm unveils 'wireless' bionic hand

A BIONIC hand that can be programmed using wireless technology has been unveiled by a Scottish firm.

West Lothian-based Touch Bionics said its i-Limb Pulse offers users an "unparalleled degree of flexibility". It will be featured at a trade show in Leipzig, Germany, next week.

The firm launched the i-Limb Hand in 2007, which it said was the world's first commercially-available bionic hand. Comprising five independently-controlled fingers, the prosthetic hand has been fitted to more than 1,200 patients worldwide.

Touch Bionics said its new i-Limb Pulse represented a "significant advance".

The device uses "pulsing" technology to help provide a tighter grip on objects such as shoelaces and belts. Built with an aluminium chassis, it is capable of carrying up to 90kg.

Users will also be able to programme the prosthetic hand via a Bluetooth connection, using software.

Firefighter Ian Reid, from Thurso, Caithness, was the first person to be fitted with the new device. Mr Reid, who lost his right hand in a holiday bus crash seven years ago, said: "The pulsing effect, increased robustness and range of grip features will, hopefully, give me (an] increased level of function."