A simple task taken for granted by most of us, but a challenge to an amputee. This is Ian Reid, a former fire fighter from Scotland opening a bag of potato chips with a latest bionic hand, one he hopes for getting back to work.

"Thank you."

A difference between this, the I-limb pulse, and dissolved prosthetic hand is the ability to grip something and then tighten the grip some more or just by thinking about it.

"All my intentions hopefully will be getting back until operational duties and doing so I need to go through an operational assessment of therapy. And one of the tasks that is very weak is the holes running. The i-limb pulse on there that I'm hoping most that get me another equip that I can left the holes to an effect like I have holes up here and run with it ."

Touch bionics say the I-limb pulse offers amputees the ability to carry out the kind of everyday tasks, but otherwise pose a real problem.

"As I say, if you are looking at practicalities of doing up trousers, or doing up chilies, things you are working in a kitchen, the grip forces is quite important part of that helping the patient achieve the level of functionality that they want. "

The hand response to tiny electrical signals sent by the brain to muscles even after amputation. Software also allows them to alter grip patterns using any combination of digits. Playing the piano may be still some way off, but touch bionics say we're getting there.

"And let's face there is a long way to go. The science fiction elements are having newly integrated patients is becoming science fact. There is a long way off for the average amputee. "

More than 1,000 I-limbs are in use around the world. The company hopes the cost of a new hand around 50,000 US dollars for the whole service including fitting and physiotherapy, tightening their grip on the market.

Stuart McDill, Reuters.