Robotic third thumb tested by Cambridge University allows people to open a bottle with one hand

Footage released by the university shows the thumb being used to open a bottle single-handedly, hold an egg while cracking another egg into a bowl, and carrying wine glasses and a bottle in one hand.

The team also believe it would be invaluable for tricky manual tasks such as soldering or performing surgery.

In a new trial, 596 members of the public of different ages and sexes were invited to test the robotic thumb by either moving pegs into a basket or manipulating foam objects.

Almost everyone was able to use the device straightaway and 98 per cent of participants were able to successfully manipulate objects using the thumb during the first minute of use.

Just four people were unable to get to grips with the prosthetic thumb, either because it did not fit, or they were too light to activate the feet sensors.

Older and younger adults had a similar level of ability when using the technology, although there was a decline in the performance of the elderly with increasing age.

Motor augmentation is a growing field, which aims to use exoskeletons or robotic parts to allow humans to overcome biological limitations, such as strength, speed or dexterity.

Demonstrating feasibility

As well as improving the quality of life for healthy individuals who want to enhance their productivity, the same technologies are also expected to provide critical assistance for people with disabilities.

The thumb is an obvious choice as the evolution of opposable thumbs allowed our human ancestors to manipulate stone and wood into tools, which helped drive the dominance of the species.

Cambridge said that it is still in the research and design process, but is  hoping to eventually market the thumb.

Lucy Dowdall, of the MRC Cognition and Brain Science Unit, said: “The current study was geared towards demonstrating the feasibility of our technology – we showed that pretty much anyone who wants to use the thumb can, and can figure out how to use it very quickly.

“This level of evidence goes a long way towards commercialisation, but we are not quite there yet. We are currently in the R&D phase with a working prototype that has been extensively tested.

“Our focus remains on refining the technology and ensuring it meets the highest standards of functionality, safety, and user adaptability, as well as using it as a model to explore augmentation in the neuroscience research space.”

The results of the trial were published in the journal Science Robotics.