8.16.2011

Mercedes realises school boy's dream of bionic hand

A 14-year old boy has been given the world's most advanced prosthetic hand, with a little help from his Formula One idols, reports Top Gear.
Matthew James of Wokingham in Berkshire was born without a left hand. Unable to get the £35,000 top-of-the-range bionic limb he was dreaming of on the
he decided to write to Ross Brawn, head of F1 MercedesPetronas, requesting some help.
Matthew suggested Mercedes might like to sponsor the customised TouchHowever, upon close inspection, it was clear that the technology used to make the hand was similar to that which the car manufacturer already used.Matthew's letter to the team was very touching. Looking closely atwe realised how much our technologies in Formula One had in common with those used to create this cutting edge prosthetic limb."
Together with Touch Bionics, Matthew's prosthetic was created and the £25,000 fitting fee was waived. Mercedes are helping to raise the remaining funds.The new hand was fitted last week. Unlike previous clamp-like versionsoperates with five motors so that each finger can move independently.This demonstration of Mercedes' philanthropic side, which is admittedly great publicity for the brand, might prompt some used car buyers to take a second look at their range.
Clearly delighted"It is going to make such a difference to my life. It also looks really cool - the outer shell is see-through so you can see the mechanics working.
"They are even going to put a little Mercedes badge by the wrist."

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