The first robotic hand that enables the amputee to touch and feel has been given to a Swedish woman.

The revolutionary mechanical limb is controlled by electrodes connected to nerves and muscles in the stump

Signals pass “tactile sensations” to the nerves while allowing the body to control a range of motions similar to a real hand.

British researchers involved in the EU-funded project say the battery-powered limb could be available on the NHS within a few years.

Dr Luca Citi, of Essex University, said: “This is a big thing. Currently amputees would have to watch their prosthetic hand if they are picking up, say a plastic cup, to check they are not crushing it.