Nature’s Masterpiece: How Scientists Struggle to Replace the Human Hand

Abstract

Some people have only one hand or no hands at all. They are missing hands either from birth or because of accidents or illnesses. Hand prostheses are artificial devices used to replace missing hands. “Passive” hands, meaning prosthetic hands that do not actually move, look realistic, are light, robust, and not too expensive. But, to actively grasp things, one needs an “active” prosthesis. These can be simple mechanical hands or complex, expensive robotic hands. All kinds of prostheses have upsides and downsides, but current research focuses mostly on active electrical robotic hands. One big, unsolved challenge is how to enable prosthesis users to feel with their robotic hands. Many different methods have been tried, some requiring surgery, but scientists still cannot fully restore natural sensation.