Prosthesis offers sensory feedback and intuitive control

According to EPFL up to 50 per cent of hand amputees still do not use their prosthesis regularly due to poor functionality, appearance, and controllability.

Micera’s research, however, is expected to lead to versatile prosthetics with intuitive motor control and realistic sensory feedback, returning dexterity and the sensation of touch to an amputee.

At the 2013 Annual Meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) in Boston, Micera reported the results of previous work conducting a four-week clinical trial that improved sensory feedback in amputees by using intraneural electrodes implanted into the median and ulnar nerves.

This interface is said to hold great promise because of its ability to create a natural connection with the nerves, and because it is less invasive than other methods.

It also provides fast, intuitive, bidirectional flow of information between the nervous system and the prosthetic, resulting in a more realistic experience and ultimately improved function.