Scientists in the UK are working on a new prosthetic limb that could pave way for a bionic hand similar to the one used by Star Wars’ Luke Skywalker. The project is a result of the £1.4 million funding extended by Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC).
The project is being led by scientists at Newcastle University and includes researchers from various UK varsities including Leeds, Essex, Keele, Southampton and Imperial College London. Researchers are aiming to develop an electronic device that is capable of connecting to the neural network of a human and establish a two-way communications with the brain.
“If we can design a system that allows this two-way communication it would help people to naturally reach out and pick up a glass, for example, whilst maintaining eye contact in a conversation, or pick up an apple without bruising it”, said Dr Kianoush Nazarpour, a lecturer in Biomedical Engineering at Newcastle University and the lead of the project.
Researchers are aiming for a prosthetic limb that will communicate directly with the brain and send back real-time information about temperature, pressure and shear force.
“This will advance the field of prosthetics, provide enhanced function to prosthesis users, and also reduce the time involved to learn how to use the device because the movements will come naturally. The technology will also have applications for patients with neurological conditions where reduced sensation is a factor”, added Dr. Nazarpour.
Beyond the temperature, pressure and shear force information, the bionic hand will also send back information on hand’s position and movement, known as ‘proprioception’. Researchers intend to develop a system that will translate the signals to a form the brain understands and stimulate the nervous system to help the user control the hand.
Researcher envisage a prosthetic devices that enables much higher levels of function for people who have lost their limbs than is currently available.
Dr Rory O’Connor, Senior Lecturer in Rehabilitation Medicine at the University of Leeds, is the clinical advisor on the project says, “We are seeing many more active young people who are surviving severe injuries that result in them losing one or more limbs and requiring a prosthesis.”
Dr. O’Connor adds that the drawback of current designs – based on a plug and socket design – for many patients is that the muscle ends are too damaged to be able to use the limb.
“What patients tell us is they want something that is more intuitive and more closely replicates the natural movement and feel of a real hand and that is what we hope to achieve through this project”, added Dr. O’Connor.
