Something is giving amputees the feeling of warmth in their missing hand – but what could it be?

Researchers at Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne (EPFL) and partners have developed temperature feedback technology for prosthetic limbs. The non-invasive technology sends thermal feedback through thermal electrodes to the skin. This allows patients to feel temperature variations in their missing limb, while wearing a prosthetic. The technology means that amputees can feel an object’s hot or cold temperature and differentiate between substances like glass, copper or plastic through the prosthetic limb. While previous research has focused on touch, the temperature feedback technology also offers “realistic bionic touch”. EPFL’s Silvestro Micera said: “We envisage the possibility of restoring all of the rich sensations that one’s natural hand can provide”. The research was undertaken in collaboration with Sant’Anna School of Advanced Studies and Centro Protesi Inail.

>>Join our Facebook Group be part of community. <<