The human hand is an extraordinary feat of biology, unmatched in its versatility and complexity. With over 30 muscles, 27 joints, and thousands of nerve endings, our hands allow us to perform a staggering array of tasks, from the delicate act of holding a pen to the precise movements required to play a piano.

For Sarah de Lagarde, the sophistication of human hands took on a new significance following a life-changing accident in September 2022. After falling between a train and the platform at High Barnet station in London, she lost her right arm below the shoulder and part of her right leg. The initial prosthetic arm she was offered had minimal functionality and struggled to replicate the basic movements of a human hand.

Her life changed when she received a bionic arm powered by artificial intelligence (AI). This device detects electrical signals from her muscles and learns to anticipate her intended movements, offering a level of dexterity far beyond traditional prosthetics. With practice, the arm became increasingly intuitive, allowing her to perform daily tasks like picking up a pen or pouring water with greater ease.

The integration of AI into robotics has led to significant advancements in robotic dexterity. For centuries, engineers and scientists have tried to replicate the capabilities of human hands, but only now are we beginning to approach similar levels of functionality. Robots such as the DEX-EE, developed by the Shadow Robot Company and Google DeepMind, showcase advanced capabilities. This three-fingered robotic hand uses tendon-style drivers to provide 12 degrees of freedom and fingertip sensors that enable delicate manipulation, such as handling eggs or shaking hands.

Another breakthrough lies in embodied AI, a field where robots learn by interacting with their environment, much like humans do. This trial-and-error process allows robots to fine-tune their movements and adapt to new situations. For example, soft-fruit-picking robots from companies like Dogtooth Technologies can gently pick and pack strawberries without damaging them, using cameras and machine learning to identify ripe fruits and calculate the optimal grip.

Despite these advancements, robotic dexterity still lags behind the natural abilities of human hands. Robots struggle to integrate sensory inputs like vision, touch, and temperature as seamlessly as humans. While devices like De Lagarde’s prosthetic arm demonstrate significant progress, they still rely on visual feedback and require further development in areas like haptic feedback and weight optimization.

Robots are also finding applications in industrial sectors, from assisting with nuclear waste disposal to performing repetitive tasks in agriculture and construction. However, achieving human-like dexterity for tasks requiring adaptive responses to irregular objects and unpredictable conditions remains a challenge.

Safety and ethical considerations are vital as AI-powered robotics advance. Ensuring robots can operate safely alongside humans and addressing the potential impact on jobs are key concerns. However, the benefits of these technologies, especially in healthcare and assisting the elderly, are immense.

For individuals like De Lagarde, robotic advancements have restored abilities and independence once thought lost. While technology still has a long way to go before it matches the complexity of the human hand, the progress so far offers hope for an inclusive and innovative future.