Mechanical fingers

Invented by Dan Didrick of Naples, Florida, the device has nobatteries, electronics, servos or actuators. Instead, each digitincorporates a simple mechanism which, when pushed by the survivingpart of the wearer's finger, curls a set of artificial phalanges.

Made of steel and blue plastic, Didrick's X-Fingerallows for a surprising degree of dexterity: Enough to grip (and swing)a golf club, operate a keyboard or even play musical instruments.

When the wearer bends the remaining portion of his or her finger,the tight fit causes it to depress a lever on the X-Finger,articulating the device in proportion to the pressure exerted.

Source: wired.comAdded: 16 July 2007