The first magnetically-controlled prosthetic hand that can be moved simply by thinking has been successfully trialled.

Daniel, 34, from Italy, lost his left hand two years ago. But in tests he was able to open a jar, close a zip and cut with a knife.

He said: “It feels like I’m moving my own hand.”

The technology was developed by Italian scientists in Pisa at the BioRobotics Institute working with a Mia-Hand robotic developed by Prensilia. The hand has no wires and is controlled purely by magnets implanted into muscles.

Dr Marta Gherardini said: “Working with Daniel has given us the awareness that we can do a lot to improve his life and the lives of many other people.

“This is the greatest motivation that drives us to continue our work.”

The trial is published in journal Science Robotics.