The woman receives her first robotic hand that allows the user to touch and feel

The first robotic hand that allows the amputee to touch and feel is given to a Swedish woman.

The revolutionary mechanical member is controlled by electrodes connected to the nerves and muscles of the strain.

The signals transmit "tactile sensations" to the nerves while allowing the body to control a range of movements similar to those of a real hand.

British researchers participating in the EU – funded project said the battery – powered limb could be available on the NHS some years ago.

Dr. Luca Citi, of Esbad University, said: "It's a big deal. At the present time, amputees should monitor their prosthetic hand if they pick up a plastic cup, for example, to check that they do not crush it.

"If you have to constantly look at the hand, it limits what you can do with it." The amputee, who does not wish to be named, is now learning to control his new hand with the help of virtual technology.

Two other patients, in Italy and Sweden, will be equipped with one of the prosthetic hands in the coming months.

Dr. Citi said, "It's not as good as a real hand, but it's good enough so people can do their daily lives."