Scientists are able to make people who have lost a limb feel the temperature of what they touch, and more…
Spectacular, this technology has the potential to radically change the daily lives of many people.
Burn your arm so as not to burn your fingers
If advances are numerous and impressive in the field of prostheses, there is still a long way to go to compensate for the loss of a limb. For example, hand prostheses are sorely lacking in convincing sensory feedback. Yet they replace a limb that is the very representation of one of our five senses, essential to many aspects of our lives.
This is why a team from EPFL (Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne), in partnership with researchers from the Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna in Pisa, has been working on this subject for several years. In a recent study published in the journal Sciencethey unveil a new device capable of sensing the temperature of objects touched by prosthetic hands.
Called MiniTouch, it consists of a sensor measuring the thermal conductivity of a surface. Then, it is connected to a thermode which is brought into contact with the skin of the amputated individual, at arm level, and which reproduces the data measured.
However, the work of the researchers goes even further. They have discovered that certain specific areas of the skin make it possible to project the reproduced sensations directly onto specific locations on the phantom limb. Thus, by touching an object with the index finger of their prosthesis, patients can feel its temperature… at the level of the index finger, as if it were their own hand.
Social beings who need warmth
Of the 27 people who were able to test the technology, 17 managed to obtain satisfactory results. Indeed, the areas to be stimulated with the thermode being different from one individual to another, it takes some training, both on the part of the patient and the researchers, to find the right place to place the device. Which is obviously no small feat for everyone.
However, the technology looks compelling, and the team now wants to refine the MiniTouch, as well as develop a way to more easily tailor it to each individual. For Silvestro Micera, professor at EPFL and at the Scuola Sant’Anna, this is a more important step forward than it seems. ” Thermal sensory feedback is essential for relaying information that goes beyond touch “, he explains. ” It paves the way for a feeling of affection. We are social beings, for whom warmth plays an important role “.
EPFL is not at its first attempt since its researchers have already developed systems to perceive the texture of an object or obtain information on its position. With this new device, which is also able to reflect the touch of copper, plastic or glass, their work takes a new turn. Indeed, they are very close to providing amputees with a very realistic touch.
That’s all it takes for everyone to be able to drink their tea in complete serenity, without fear of burning their tongue. At least for those who are not in a hurry.
Source : RTS
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