Research has been taking large leaps in the field of prosthetics, combining the principles of neuroscience and robotics, scientists today have stepped up their game. With the advent of AI and Robotics and their various applications in different industries, it is not surprising that prosthetics is one of its devout practitioners, being a pioneering technology itself, especially in the medical arena. MRI, has researched how these technologies have come together, giving a new dimension to not only prosthetic science through robotics but shown neuroscience in new light. The technological feat here, is truly astounding and may open a new avenue in the medical field and the key players of the robotics and prosthetics market.
Analysis at MRI, have found that the prosthetic industry has entered a new domain, designing groundbreaking models to enable paralysis patients and amputees with a new hope. Two principle studies take center stage creating a completely new territory through the multidisciplinary effort.
A team of scientists from the University of Utah paired a sophisticated robotic arm, the DEKA LUKE—with electrically stimulating remaining nerves above the attachment point. Using artificial zaps to mimic the skin’s natural response patterns to touch, the team dramatically increased the patient’s ability to identify objects. This opens new doors in the field, which so far worked on functionality and not sensation. In yet another instance of prosthetic marvel, the National University of Singapore’s research team created the first ever electronic skin, Asynchronous Coded Electronic Skin (ACES), which comes closest to the human skin in many of its innate biological aspects and functions. This skin senses temperature, pressure, and humidity, and continues to function under damages. The skin shows potential to surpass human skin. Thanks to artificial nerves that transmit signals far faster than our biological ones, the flexible e-skin shoots electrical data 1,000 times quicker than human nerves.
MRI’s analytical reports have segmented data researches that have influenced and changed the existing dictums in the field. A sensory advancement will allow robots to operate tools, doorknobs, and other objects in hectic real-world environments. This will also further stem possibilities of robots to work with humans closely. These developmental milestones also define the international upper limbs prosthetics market and robotics prosthetics market. 2019, saw Ossur Global, one of the key players in the market reach an arrangement to purchase the major supplier of prothesis products and facilities to College Park Industries.