New prosthetic hand can sense objects’ form and position
A robotic hand developed by researchers from Swiss and Italian universities allows amputees to sense the limb’s position in space and to regain their sense of touch.
Until now, prosthetic hands have used remaining muscle function in the forearm to allow patients to regain motor control. However, those so-called myoelectric prostheses did not allow for true sensory function in the hand.
The new device developed by the Swiss and Italian team works by stimulating nerves in the forearm, which then provide sensory feedback in a similar way to a natural hand.
Silvestro Micera from the EPFL, who helped coordinate the research, explains that the discovery “can deliver both position feedback and tactile feedback simultaneously and in real time” – an improvement on other recent advances allowing patients a basic sensory knowledge of items.
“The brain has no problem combining this information, and patients can process both types in real time with excellent results,” Micera says.
The results have been published in the journal Science Robotics.External linkSo far, with proper training on how to transfer nerve pulses to sensation in the prosthetic hand, two amputees have been able to benefit from the technology. They were able to determine the size and shape of four objects with about 75% accuracy.
Switzerland abstains from vote on Palestinian bid for full UN membership
This content was published on
On Friday, Switzerland abstained from the vote at the General Assembly on granting the Palestinians new rights at the United Nations (UN).
Protein in abdominal fat could help shape obesity treatment
This content was published on
The study analysed fat cells from different locations in the body, and found that those in the abdomen have unique properties.
North African asylum claims fall after rapid Swiss processing
This content was published on
The accelerated procedure, now out of its test phase, has resulted in a significant drop in applications from North African countries.
This content was published on
The artist's song "The Code" focuses on their journey as a nonbinary individual. It is one of the favourites to win this year's contest.
Swiss climate activists block vehicles near Gotthard tunnel
This content was published on
Around ten climate activists briefly blocked the A2 motorway near the northern entrance of the Gotthard tunnel on Thursday.
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.
Read more
More
Neuronal stimulation allows brain to ‘sense’ artificial limbs
This content was published on
Until now, brain-machine interfaces have allowed only a one-directional relationship between the brain and a prosthesis. Electrodes are used to decode neuronal activity – such as a desire to move an artificial limb – and translate it into movement. But it has previously not been possible for the brain to receive signals of perception or…
This content was published on
The four-year hubExternal link is the fruit of collaboration between the Swiss-run International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne (EPFL). “With more than 150 million people worldwide affected by humanitarian crises, the demand and potential applications are enormous,” the ICRC and EPFL said in a joint…
This content was published on
The Implant Files on faulty implants and weak safety standards are raising alarm bells for Switzerland’s rapidly growing medical device industry.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.