This is important research for robotics generally. You'll note something in common with most deployed robots: - Aibo is a toy that plays around. There is no f

This is important research for robotics generally. You'll note something in common with most deployed robots: - Aibo is a toy that plays around. There is no function so there is no way it can fail. All robot toys are in this category. - For vacuuming robots the biggest interaction with the environment is bumping into things. But they are autonomous. - UAVs use GPS waypoint navigation and have nothing to interact with. There is usually no obstacle avoidance. - Bomb disposal robots are fully teleoperated. The hands are usually pincers. None of these robots have rich interaction with their environments. This is because the perception, planning, and mechanics of manipulation are much harder than locomotion tasks. Bionic hands will need tiny sensors that allow for input of texture, pressure, temperature, etc. They will probably have series elastic actuators that allow for compliance in grasping and higher reliability. This is important work.