This robotic glove could give you 'extraordinary abilities' with four instead of two hands

An Italian start-up has shown-off a 3D-printed robotic glove that uses finger-based motion to provide people with the power of four instead of two hands.

Italian technology designer Federico Ciccarese started Youbionic in a bid to enhance physical human capabilities beyond what's possible. The company has shown some prototypes in the past, but the glove takes things to a whole new level reports Gizmodo.

In particular, the double-handed glove offers a major physical upgrade and opens endless possibilities, especially for those who are always busy and would like to use an extra pair of hands to get things done in less time. It is built from 3D-printed parts and uses finger-based motion to open, close, pinch, and grip objects.

Youbionic posted a video showcasing the device in action:

The fingers of the wearer, which are attached to tiny sensors, do the entire job to trigger movement of the glove. Each hand of the robotic device opens and closes by following similar flexes of the fingers.

The right-hand uses the motion of index and middle finger, while the left uses the ring and little fingers. Pinching also works in the same way, but with a little less speed.

The working of the glove is currently limited to just these functions, which means performing dexterous tasks like playing the piano, or typing at high-speeds might not be possible at present.

However, it is not hard to imagine how useful the glove could be in the fast-paced world we're living in. A few more advancements and we could soon see devices that would enhance physical capabilities like never before.

"We are taking the first steps to build devices that work by supporting our native ability to obtain extraordinary abilities," Youbionic's website reads. "This is the first wearable robotic devices that will evolve the human race in a something new, to turn the Native Human to Augmented Human."

The double-handed glove costs around £1,600 (£3,200 for both arms or for four hands) and is currently available on the company's store.