Despite recent progress in prosthetic science, 38% of
artificial limb users ultimately reject their limb. This is mostly due to the
quality of sensation and control. There are more than 1.7 million people with
limb loss in the US with more than 185,000 new amputations each year. The
development of a more responsive prosthesis communication interface is needed.
Researchers at Arizona State University have developed a
communication interface circuit capable of connecting the sensor outputs from a
prosthetic limb with a stimulator. They have also designed an intrafascicular
neural electrode comprising a MEMS stem structure for measuring and/or recording
activity from the peripheral nervous system. The combination of recording
signals and providing relevant stimuli provides enhanced communication and
control of the prosthetic limb.
Potential Applications
- Neuroprosthetic device
- Rehabilitation device
- Virtual reality technology
Benefits and Advantages
- Processes signals from more than one sensor
- Records distributed neural activity
- Clamping mechanism ensures stable and consistent
recording
- Provides stimulation to the nervous system
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For more information about the inventor(s) and their
research, please see
Dr. Abbas'
directory webpage
Dr. Phillips'
directory webpage
