A prosthetic hand controlled by a soft robotic armband allows users to move their artificial limb with ease.

Natural hands have long been difficult to replicate with prosthetic hands, limiting users to a single grasp function at a time.

Prosthetics make everyday tasks, such as typing on a keyboard or braiding hair, challenging.

A study from Florida Atlantic University (FAU) presents groundbreaking advancements that could revolutionize the prosthetic hand user's experience.

New technology enables users to grasp two objects at once

A study was conducted by researchers from FAU's College of Engineering and Computer Science and the Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, which involved haptic feedback, electromyogram control, and a wearable soft robotic armband. The aim of this study was to determine if users could control grip forces applied to two different objects simultaneously with a dexterous artificial hand.

The research published in Scientific Reports showed that participants could successfully grasp and transport two objects simultaneously without dropping them, even when visual feedback was blocked, using multiple channels of haptic feedback.

Participants were able to grasp a card with their fingers while simultaneously unscrewing a water bottle lid or flicking a light switch with their little finger.

Multichannel soft robotic armband

The development of a multichannel soft robotic armband that conveys artificial sensations of touch through soft actuators and vibrotactile stimulators was a key innovation in this research. The armband's design enables it to deliver haptic feedback at three critical points corresponding to the thumb, index and little fingers, enhancing the user's ability to control multiple objects simultaneously.

The study's participants found that haptic feedback was more important than visual feedback, as visual cues often failed to indicate when an object was about to fall. This highlights the importance of incorporating tactile sensations into prosthetic technology.

Implications for future prosthetic design

The implications of this study go beyond immediate user benefits; they suggest a paradigm shift in how prosthetic hands could be controlled in the future. By enhancing sensory feedback, this research opens new pathways for individuals with upper limb loss to engage in complex tasks traditionally deemed impossible with current prosthetics, such as playing musical instruments or performing intricate surgical procedures.

The study found that individuals with limb loss were able to perform as well as able-bodied individuals in certain tasks, suggesting that technology can help bridge the gap in functionality for users.

Kurt’s key takeaways

As technology continues to advance, prosthetic hands may soon surpass the abilities of natural hands, allowing users to regain their autonomy and participate fully in daily life and specialized tasks. This cutting-edge method not only overcomes current obstacles but also lays the groundwork for future advancements in assistive technology for people with disabilities.

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