Prosthetic hands have long struggled to replicate the dexterity and functionality of natural hands, often limiting users to a single grasp function at a time. However, a groundbreaking study from Florida Atlantic University offers promising advancements that could transform the experience of prosthetic hand users.
Researchers developed a new technology that enables users to grasp two objects at once, using haptic feedback, electromyogram control, and a wearable soft robotic armband. This study aimed to investigate whether users can control grip forces applied to two different objects simultaneously with a dexterous artificial hand.
The study’s findings demonstrated that multiple channels of haptic feedback allowed participants to successfully grasp and transport two objects at once without dropping them, even when visual feedback was obstructed. Participants managed to perform complex tasks such as pinching a card between their fingers while simultaneously unscrewing a water bottle lid or toggling a light switch with their little finger.
The key innovation in this research was the development of a multichannel soft robotic armband that conveyed artificial sensations of touch. This armband included soft actuators that provided proportional contact force feedback and vibrotactile stimulators that alerted users if they were about to drop or break an object.
Implications for future prosthetic design extend beyond immediate user benefits, suggesting a paradigm shift in how prosthetic hands could be controlled in the future. By enabling refined dexterous control through enhanced sensory feedback, this research opens new pathways for individuals with upper limb loss to engage in complex tasks traditionally deemed impossible with current prosthetics.
The researchers also noted that participants with limb loss performed as well as able-bodied subjects in key performance metrics during the tasks, indicating that advancements in technology can bridge gaps in functionality for users. As researchers continue to refine these prosthetic technology systems, we may soon see prosthetic hands that not only replicate but exceed the capabilities of natural hands, empowering users to reclaim their independence and engage fully in both everyday activities and specialized tasks.
Source: https://www.foxnews.com/tech/soft-robotic-armband-gives-prosthetic-hand-users-natural-control