From the Iron Hand to the High-Tech Prosthesis

How research and development shape the future of humanity is a topic which is constantly being explored in the Science Center Medical Technology on the Potsdamer Platz. 270,000 visitors have made fascinating discoveries at the multimedia stations since the center was opened in June 2009, expanding their knowledge in the permanent exhibition which is open with free admission.

Starting on June 16, 2011 the "Hand_Craft" special exhibit goes back 500 years and presents amazing milestones in the development and history of artificial hands. It illustrates the results of a long evolution of technology and craftsmanship.

First there is Götz von Berlichingen from the 16th century with his famous iron hand. A replica which was fabricated based on historic engineering drawings is part of the exhibit. The prosthesis consisted of more than 200 components, was movable and constituted a marvel of technology for its time.

The Berlin surgeon Ferdinand Sauerbruch opened an entirely new chapter in history with his technique to join people and technology. In the early 20th century, he successfully enabled his patients to control their prosthetic hand by means of muscle strength through highly complicated arm operations. The vision to voluntarily move artificial body parts had therefore become a reality.

The Michelangelo Hand by Otto Bock, the global market leader in prosthetics, is on display as the current high-end version. For the first time, prosthesis wearers can choose various grip types in their everyday lives as though they had a natural hand.

The exhibit illustrates how the gap between the natural model and technical imitation keeps shrinking. Fascination with the human hand has grown with every new insight regarding its functionality.

"Hand_Craft" is being presented in the Science Center Medical Technology until October 3, 2011. The exhibit is open from Thursday through Sunday from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm. Admission is free.