Soft robotic armband gives prosthetic hand users natural control

Prosthetic hands have long struggled to replicate the dexterity and functionality of natural hands, often limiting users to only one grasping function at a time.

This limitation makes everyday tasks, such as typing on a keyboard or braiding hair, challenging for those who rely on prosthetics.

However, a groundbreaking study from Florida Atlantic University (FAU) offers promising advances that could transform the experience for prosthetic hand users.

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Men's sports wearable soft robotic armband (Florida Atlantic University)

New technology enables users to grab two objects at the same time

Researchers are at FAU College of Engineering and Computer ScienceIn collaboration with the Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, an innovative study was conducted that combined tactile feedback, electromyography control, and a wearable soft robotic armband. This study aimed to investigate whether users can simultaneously control the grip force exerted on two different objects with a dexterous artificial hand.

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The findings, published in Scientific Reports, show that multiple tactile feedback channels allowed participants to successfully grasp and transport two objects simultaneously without dropping them, even when visual feedback was blocked.

For example, participants managed to hold a card between their fingers while unscrewing a water bottle cap or turning on a light switch with their pinky finger.

prosthetic robotic hand (Florida Atlantic University)

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Multi-channel software robotic arm belt

A key innovation of this research is the development of a multi-channel soft robotic armband designed to convey artificial touch. The armband includes soft actuators that provide proportional contact force feedback and a vibrotactile stimulator that alerts the user when they are about to drop or damage an object. The armband is designed to provide tactile feedback at three key points corresponding to the thumb, index finger and little finger, effectively enhancing the user's ability to control multiple objects at the same time.

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Study participants reported that tactile feedback was much more important than visual feedback, especially since visual cues often fail to indicate when an object is about to be lost. This insight highlights the need to incorporate haptics into prosthetic technology.

prosthetic robotic hand (Florida Atlantic University)

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Implications for future prosthetic limb design

The implications of this research go beyond direct benefits to users; they suggest a paradigm shift in how prosthetic hands will be controlled in the future. By enabling fine dexterity control through enhanced sensory feedback, this research opens new avenues for individuals with upper limb loss to perform complex tasks traditionally considered impossible with current prosthetics. This includes activities such as playing a musical instrument or performing complex surgical procedures.

Additionally, the researchers noted that during the task, participants with limb loss performed as well as able-bodied subjects on key performance indicators. This finding is particularly encouraging for clinical applications and suggests that advances in technology can bridge gaps in user functionality.

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prosthetic robotic hand (Florida Atlantic University)

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Kurt’s key takeaways

As researchers continue to refine these prosthetic technology systems, we may soon see prosthetic hands that not only replicate but surpass the abilities of natural hands, allowing users to regain independence and fully participate in daily activities and professional tasks. This innovative approach not only addresses existing limitations but also paves the way for future developments in assistive technology for people with disabilities.

What are your personal experiences or stories related to using prosthetics or assistive devices? Please write to us Cyberguy.com/contact.

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Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson is an award-winning technology journalist with a passion for the technology, devices, and gadgets that change lives through his contributions to Fox News and Fox Business Be better. Have a technical question? Get Kurt's free CyberGuy newsletter and share your voice, story ideas or comments on CyberGuy.com.