A novel idea to reduce stress in workers’ joints is being tried out at a BMW production plant in Germany. The Munich factory has given out 3D printed thumbs to workers, for them to use while they are putting together car parts. These so-called super-thumbs are more correctly known as thermoplastic polyurethane thumb protectors. They are made to size for each BMW worker...

A 10-year-old boy from the British seaside town of Poole, who was born with one hand, is being tipped to become a pro golfer after a special bionic glove was made for him. Leo Millar amazed his golfing enthusiast father when he picked up a club and drove a ball to an impressive 100 yards with one hand. “At this point he was swinging away left-handed with his stumpy...

A touch sensitive skin may not sound all that ground breaking a development but in reality it has applications both in robotics and prosthetics. A mass of semiconductors are placed within the ultra thin mesh material and transmits and receives data so that, in the future and following further development, robots fitted with the technology would be able to lightly grip...