We’ve shared several stories about the mammoth improvements in prosthetics over the last decade. If you don’t have a need for a prosthetic, then perhaps the importance of this alludes you. But for people in need, this changes the entirety of their lives. Every detail, from brushing their teeth in the morning to undressing at night, is affected.

Another case in point? Kasey Edwards, an 18-year-old who lost his hand to an alligator one fateful day. While he was visiting The Today Show, he was presented with a new, high-tech hand that would read fine impulses delivered from his brain to his wrist and move accordingly. To make it that much more life-like, it is covered by a covering that replicates human skin.

Edwards tried it out for the first time on The Today Show and was brought to tears by the power and ingenuity of it.

“You can’t be doing this on live TV with me.” said the overwhelmed young man.

Kasey Edwards (right) with Troy Farnsworth, who helped design Edwards’ artificial limb.