Biohybrid Robotic Hand Will Help Unravel Complex S [Video]

Newswise — Brain-machine interfaces are devices that enable direct communication between a brain’s electrical activity and an external device such as a computer or a robotic limb that allows people to control machines using their thoughts.

Although this technology is still largely experimental, it holds great promise for people with a spinal cord injury or an amputation. Through electrophysiological signals transmitted between the brain’s neurons and the external source, turning thoughts into actions could help them regain control and sensation of their limbs.

However, restoring motor control and sensation from an assistive device in a natural way remains a scientific “holy grail” due to the complexity of the problem such as fully understanding and restoring the myriad of distinctly different sensations of touch for object friction, moisture, temperature, pain, among others.

Furthermore, the cumulative effect of losing grip, pressure and other sensations makes prosthetic hands not only difficult to control …