From the Iron Hand to the High-Tech Prosthesis | "Hand_Craft" Special Exhibit in the Otto Bock Science Center Medical Technology from June 16 to October 3, 2011

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.

Otto Bock - Technology for People

Otto Bock HealthCare helps people maintain or regain their freedom of movement with innovative products. Founded in Berlin back in 1919, the medical technology company has become a global market leader in the field of prosthetics. Other business units include orthotics, Mobility Solutions with wheelchairs, seating systems and child rehabilitation devices as well as, since 2006, neurostimulation. The activities of the global company with sales and service locations in 44 countries are coordinated from the head office in Duderstadt, South Lower Saxony. Professor Hans Georg Näder, the grandson of company founder Otto Bock, took over the management of the family company from his father Dr. Max Näder in 1990 and carried on as the third-generation CEO ever since.

Further information: www.ottobock.com

Dirk Artmann
Leitung Unternehmenskommunikation / Unternehmenssprecher
Otto Bock HealthCare GmbH
Max-Näder-Str. 15, 37115 Duderstadt
Telefon: (05527) 848-3036
Fax: (05527) 848-3360
E-Mail: dirk.artmann@ottobock.de
www.ottobock.de

This release was published on openPR.