Touch Bionics has launched a new prosthetic digit range which is said to make it easier for wearers to change grips.

The i-digits quantum product, a partial bionic hand, was unveiled at the American Orthotic and Prosthetic Association’s National Assembly in San Antonio, Texas.

Along with allowing wearers to change grips with a gesture, thanks to Bluetooth enabled chips embedded in the digits, the range comes in slimmer and smaller versions.

They are also said to offer around 30 per cent more power than existing models as well as a 50 per cent increase in battery life.

Ian Stevens, chief executive of the Livingston, West Lothian, company, said: “With newly redesigned componentry and digits for ease of fabrication, the new partial hand combines streamlined styling and considerably enhanced functionality. It is smarter, faster, stronger and smaller than its predecessors. i-digits wearers can quickly utilise the many grips available through the activation of gesture control using our i-mo technology embedded in every i-digits quantum.”

Moses Aramburo, an i-digits wearer, said: “I particularly like the gesture control feature which enables me to quickly access many grips in performing everyday tasks. The new design is not only slimmer but also lighter allowing me to easily wear my prosthesis all day.”

Touch Bionics, a spin-out from the National Health Service, was founded by inventor David Gow.

It is has received backing from the Archangels Scottish business angel syndicate, and Scottish Enterprise.