A Prosthetic Hand that Feels Real!
A prosthetic hand that can sense, with the fast growth of technology and innovation, it is finally time to be able to replace what is at a loss in the most realistic way possible — a prosthetic hand that has an additional precise grip, and most importantly the sense of touch. At Case Western Reserve University, researchers were able to innovate a technology that formed a connection between the prosthetic hand and the brain, permitting users to regain the feeling of sensation.
How does it work? First, the sensors measure the pressure applied to different objects as the hand closes around them. Then, the measurement gets recorded, and subsequently, it to convert to a neural code. Neural code is a rule or algorithm that translates action potentials in the brain into perception, memories, emotions, intentions, and actions. The neural code goes through wires to electrodes that surgically input around nerve bundles in the forearm and upper arm. When the neural code reaches the nerves, the signal goes through the healthy neural pathways that were not affected by the amputation, to the brain. The brain interprets the signals as a feeling as if it is coming from a normal hand.
Additionally, this hand has been tested not only in labs; Igor Spetic lost his right hand at an incident at work, and he was the perfect candidate to take the prosthetic hand home to test it out. This method has also changed the way we test technology that affects our daily life. Spetic was able to check the advanced prosthetics in actual everyday situations, in an unconditional setting external of the artificial circumstances in a lab. Through the trials, Spetic completed minor tasks that were tremendously tough; for example, using the precision and pressure to cut fruits and vegetables, securely holding a coffee cup and opening a bag with ease. The accuracy and sensation of touch gave spetic the ability to regain what was lost to the closest way currently possible; he was able to identify and describe the objects he was touching.
The goal of this innovation is to create a conquering prosthetic hand that can permit someone to function in a way that allows the person to forget he does not have the original version. Also, this sensor opens the door to many other innovations that can answer other amputee struggles. I think this innovation will better answer questions that have been lingering for a long time and with the usage of sensors, we can continue to refine and study the relationship between prosthetic hands and sensors and what can this innovation offer to other medical conditions.
References:
“Neural Coding.” Neural Coding — an overview | ScienceDirect Topics. Accessed September 15, 2019. https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/neuroscience/neural-coding.
Panzeri, S., Harvey, C. D., Piasini, E., Latham, P. E., & Fellin, T. (2017). Cracking the Neural Code for Sensory Perception by Combining Statistics, Intervention, and Behavior. Neuron, 93(3), 491–507. doi:10.1016/j.neuron.2016.12.036
Tsai, Diane, and Alexandra Sifferlin. “A Prosthetic Hand That Can Feel.” Time. Time. Accessed September 15, 2019. https://time.com/4104723/a-prosthetic-hand-that-can-feel/.
