Bionic arm inspired by 'Star Wars' gets FDA approval

A groundbreaking bionic arm that was inspired by "Star Wars" has finally won approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

The battery-powered prosthetic, known as the DEKA Arm System, is controlled by signals from the brain.

The FDA says the arm can be configured for people with limb loss at the shoulder joint, mid upper arm, or mid lower arm. It cannot, however, be fitted for someone whose arm was amputated at the elbow or wrist.

Unlike most current prostheses, this one can perform such delicate tasks as zipping up a coat, unlocking a door with a key, or handling an egg without breaking it

The arm was inspired by the prosthetic that "Star Wars" hero Luke Skywalker received after losing his right hand in a light-saber duel with Darth Vader.