Woman can ‘lift weights, pick flowers and ride a bike’ with her new bionic hand

A British woman has been fitted with what scientists say is the world’s most life-like bionic hand. Nicky Ashwell can now ride a bike for the first time after receiving the mechanical appendage, which uses Formula 1 technology to deliver an “unrivalled level of precision and natural movements”. The 29-year-old from London can finally carry out tasks with both hands following the procedure.

The movements now come easily and look natural - I keep finding myself being surprised by the little things, like being able to carry my purse while holding my boyfriend’s hand. I’ve also been able to do things never before possible like riding a bike and lifting weights.“

Nicky Ashwell

Ms Ashwell, who was born without a right hand, had previously used a cosmetic prosthetic that she was not able to move. Her anatomically accurate new hand was developed by prosthetic experts Steeper. They say the hand, which weighs about the same as a bar of chocolate, has small proportions that have been specifically designed with women and teenagers in mind.

An accurate skeletal structure was firstly developed, with the complex technology then specifically developed to fit within this in order to maintain anatomical accuracy.

Ted Varley, technical director at Steeper

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