While some robots are intended to assist humans, robotics can also reproduce realistic limb-like functions for those that have lost arms, legs and other parts of their bodies. These prosthetics have existed in one form or another since at least ancient Egyptian times. Early limb replacements involved using materials such as wood or leather for support and balance. In the 1960s, the capabilities of prosthetics to enhance lives were explored. This included incorporating lightweight carbon-fibre material into prosthetics so that amputees could partake and succeed in sporting activities.
However, it wasn’t until 1986 that electronic prosthetic limbs were explored. Scottish inventor David Gow began his mission to make existing pneumatic arms easier to use, lighter in weight and more functional. This led to the first
