Robotic Humanoid Exoskeleton Extended Arm Robotic Humanoid Exoskeleton

Power Grip: Where all fingers and the thumb close down together to create a full-wrap grip. This grip would be used to hold a can of drink whilst opening the ring-pull, for example, and for carrying large objects such as a briefcase and/or shopping bag.

Key Grip: Where the thumb closes down onto the side of the index finger. This grip is used to hold items such as a plate or a business card. The addition of wrist rotation enables the patient to turn a key in a lock in a totally ‘human’ way.

Precision Grip: Where the index finger and thumb meet (or index finger, middle finger and thumb meet) in order to pick-up small objects and to hold objects when performing finer control tasks.

SUPERHUMAN: Japan's CYBERDYNE plans to mass-produce its HAL exoskeleton as a way to enhance a wearer's strength, but the technology can also be used to assist people with missing or damaged limbs.

SUIT UP: Raytheon is developing an exoskeleton for the U.S. Army that the company claims is agile enough to let its wearer kick a soccer ball, punch a speed bag and climb stairs and ramps with ease.

IN STRIDE: The M.I.T. Biomechatronics Group is developing a light, low-power exoskeleton that is strapped to the wearer's waist, legs and feet.

Acknowledgements Touch Bionics: i-Limb Hand http://www.touchbionics.com Scientific American www.sciam.com