Sensitive prosthesis
People who have lost an arm or leg often experience phantom sensations, as if the missing part of the body still exists. This illusion is close to becoming a reality, thanks to a group of engineers from Johns Hopkins University. They have created an electronic shell that mimics the sense of touch in the fingertips.
Human skin contains a complex network of receptors that transmit various signals to the brain. This network has become a biological template for the authors of the project.
E-dermis electronic skin is made of rubberized fabric, in which sensors are sewn into several layers, simulating nerve endings – mechanoreceptors and nociceptors. They allow a person to feel the texture of the surface, distinguish smooth objects from rough ones, create tactile sensations from light touch to strong pressure, and also allow you to feel pain. The latter property is necessary in order to understand when the prosthesis is in danger of damage. Electronic sensors perceive stimuli and transmit impulses to peripheral nerves through the skin. No invasive procedures are required to install the prosthesis.
Tactile information from the fingers of the prosthesis is converted by the controller into a neuromorphic signal and stimulates peripheral nerves through the skin, which carry this information to the corresponding area of the cerebral cortex. Source: Article in Science Robotics.
The prosthesis was tested on a volunteer who underwent hand amputation. Electroencephalography showed foci of arousal in the somatosensory areas of the cerebral cortex and confirmed the phantom activation of the hand during stimulation.
The perception of touch and pain are fundamental components of a person's daily life, it provides valuable information about our environment, and also protects the body from damage. The prosthesis with the e-dermis system has become even more similar to a human hand. It will help the patient to adapt faster to the changes that have occurred with the body and return to normal life.
Article by L. E. Osborn et al. Prosthesis with neuromorphic multilayered e-dermis perceives touch and pain is published in the journal Science Robotics.
Aminat Adzhieva, portal "Eternal Youth" http://vechnayamolodost.ru Based on Johns Hopkins University: Bringing a Human Touch To Modern Prostetics.