Mind-Controlled Prosthetic Arm Now a Reality

Cyborgs are now a reality after two new studies have found that technological advances have made it possible for amputees with prosthetic limbs to grip and feel in way much more closely aligned to real hands.

The first study followed a Swedish amputee who lost his hand over 10 years ago and was fitted with the prosthesis in January 2013. The prosthetic arm was attached to his bone, nerves and muscles with the help of a titanium rod and attaching electrodes that allowed the muscles and nerves to communicate signals between the prosthetic and his brain.

He is now able to perform a number of complex tasks such as daughter's shoes and handling eggs as well as clamp his trailer load and operating machinery as part of his demanding job as a truck driver.

The second study involved two men who had been fitted with electrodes around their nerves and underwent experiments which were conducted to determine whether they will be able to get a sense of touch in their implanted arm. The researchers found that one man was able to feel a significant amount of sensation in 19 points on his prosthetic hand while the second man felt it in 16 points.



Source: Medindia