Prosthetic devices can restore or replicate a limb’s motor control, but they typically can’t restore sensation. Over the last decade however, researchers have demonstrated successful integration of prosthetics to the human nervous system. Returning a sense of touch to a patient who has lost a hand is seen as a significant step in upper limb prosthesis technology and may one day be considered a normal part of the rehabilitation process.

It is not uncommon for patients with an upper limb difference to have difficulties adapting to a prosthesis. The human brain relies on a constant stream of tactile information to carry out basic tasks, like holding a cup of coffee. And as upper limb prosthesis’ users can’t feel the pressure that they’re exerting on an object, it is hard to accurately control the device.

Being able to stimulate sensor neurons and selectively articulate digits in a robust way will be a significant step in upper limb prosthesis technology.

TASKA is facilitating field trials in partnership with advanced research groups around the world, who are using our research hand to test their innovations in connecting sensors to a person’s nervous system, in order to advance the sense of touch feedback technology. It is anticipated that the TASKA research hand will be used in field trials of per digit control technologies, aiming to allow users to selectively articulate digits in a robust way.

You can learn more about some of TASKA’s research partners here: https://www.taskaprosthetics.com/about-us/research