Prosthetic Limb Device Enables Users to Sense Temperature Difference: Swiss-Italian Study

Medical Research

Artificial Limbs Unlock New Sensations

Whether it is a simple handshake or a full-body hug, the warmth of another person adds a human touch to social interactions. Now, a remarkable advancement in the world of prosthetics is allowing individuals with amputations to experience the sensation of temperature using their artificial limbs. This groundbreaking technology, named the MiniTouch, is the first of its kind and opens up a world of potential for integrated sensory feedback in prostheses.

Enhancing the Sense of Naturalness

Professor Solaiman Shokur, a senior researcher at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne, explains the connection between sensory feedback and a person’s acceptance of their artificial limb. He emphasizes the vital role of temperature in creating a natural sensation. The MiniTouch introduces an innovative method for amputees to not only perceive temperature differences but also recognize potentially dangerous hot surfaces and distinguish between various materials.

Implementing the MiniTouch

Building upon previous breakthroughs, the MiniTouch has been designed with practicality and effectiveness in mind. The device integrates seamlessly with existing prosthetic hands without requiring surgery, making it easily customizable and affordable. By placing a temperature sensor on the prosthetic hand, the MiniTouch can replicate temperature variations ranging from 20°C to 40°C.

Paving the Way for More Sensations

A study conducted by the team tested the MiniTouch on Fabrizio, a 57-year-old with a below-elbow amputation. The results were astounding—they showcased Fabrizio’s ability to discern between containers of cold, hot, and room-temperature water with 100% accuracy when using the device. When the device was switched off, Fabrizio’s accuracy plummeted to a mere 33%, underscoring the MiniTouch’s immense contribution to sensory perception.

A Bridge for Social Touch

Aside from temperature recognition, the MiniTouch’s implications extend to the social dimension of touch. Professor Shokur highlights the device’s ability to make amputees feel that their artificial limbs are embedded in their social interactions. By introducing a more extensive range of sensory feedback, such as pressure, texture, position, temperature, and even wetness, the team envisions a single wearable system that can recreate multiple sensations and revolutionize the field of prosthetics.

A Step Closer to a Fully Integrated System

Professor Silvestro Micera, another senior researcher from the team, envisions the next grand breakthrough—a comprehensive wearable system that can provide amputees with a multitude of sensory experiences using their prosthetics. Efforts are underway to improve pressure and texture feedback, allowing artificial limbs to mirror and amplify sensations remarkably similar to those found in human limbs.

Promising Progress, But More to Come

Dr. Sigrid Dupan, an expert in sensory feedback for prosthetics at University College Dublin, commends the research for its remarkable strides in thermal feedback for artificial limbs. However, she emphasizes the need for further refinement and broader testing to ensure consistent and reliable results in a larger demographic. Dr. Dupan warns against premature expectations, acknowledging that implementing these innovative devices into our healthcare systems will require time and thorough evaluation.