WASHINGTON, Oct 13, (Agencies): A groundbreaking achievement hails from Sweden, where a remarkable woman has become the first to receive a robotic limb seamlessly integrated with her nervous and skeletal systems. Fondly known as "the real bionic woman," Karin, a 50-year-old whose last name remains undisclosed, underwent this transformative procedure after a life-altering farming accident cost her right hand two decades ago. For years, she endured the torment of phantom limb pain, finding minimal solace in traditional prosthetic limbs.

Karin candidly shared her harrowing experience, saying, "It felt like I constantly had my hand in a meat grinder, which created a high level of stress, and I had to rely on high doses of various painkillers."

A groundbreaking study, published in Science Robotics on a Wednesday, unveils the remarkable progress made by Karin, who underwent the transformative surgery in December 2018. She can now perform approximately 80% of the tasks she once accomplished with both her natural hands, and perhaps even more astonishingly, she experiences tactile sensations in her artificial limb.

Researchers have marveled at the seamless integration of this advanced bionic limb into Karin's daily life. Over the course of three years, she has been able to perform everyday tasks, such as turning doorknobs and preparing meals, with remarkable ease.

The creation of Karin's cutting-edge bionic limb was the result of a collaborative effort involving engineers and surgeons from Sweden, Australia, and Italy. This interdisciplinary team developed what they consider a groundbreaking solution for individuals dealing with limb loss, merging surgical techniques, implant technology, and artificial intelligence.

Karin's bionic limb is a testament to this innovation, with two titanium rods firmly anchored to her bone, effectively serving as the connection between her arm and the prosthesis. This surgical method, known as osseointegration, lies at the heart of the pioneering bionic technology developed by Prensilia, an Italian prosthetics company. This revolutionary approach eliminates the need for a socket to attach an amputee's limb to their prosthetic, addressing issues related to discomfort, poor fit, and the challenges associated with attachment and removal.