The dexterous, stainless steel fork uses jointed tines and tiny steel band tendons to change its shape. The fifth tine can be adducted and rotated like an opposable thumb for grasping. The thick ivory-like handle includes battery, motors and steering buttons for use by a real thumb.

The handy fork can be used for ordinary stabbing, shoveling and cutting, but can also be cupped to scoop up gravy or dressing. Its prehensile ability is useful to ferret out and catch stubborn peas or strands of spaghetti. Making micro-mechanical waves and come-to-me gestures to dining guests are an added bonus.

The handle can be easily removed for machine wash and olive oil lubrication of the fork’s business end. Southpaw forks for lefthanders are also available.
-- FarmerJohn, Apr 24 2004

For including us southpaws in the equation, you got my vote. [+]
-- Klaatu, Apr 24 2004


I'm not sure how you can control all those fingers and a thumb with one thumb control.

+
-- half, Apr 24 2004


Just watch a short-circuit doesn't take off your tongue!
-- DrCurry, Apr 24 2004


[half] Something simple like one button for fingers flex, one for fingers extend, one for thumb adduct, one for thumb abduct...
-- FarmerJohn, Apr 24 2004


Ah, beg pardon, I meant "how well". But, yeah, the human hand/brain is so amazingly adaptable that most anything is possible with practice. (Hence, my affirmative vote.)
-- half, Apr 24 2004


I read Henry Ford.

Writing here in remembrance of Farmer John.
-- pashute, Nov 16 2022



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