Technology for upper-limb prostheses is rapidly advancing, to the point where multi-articulated myoelectic prosthetic arms capable of complex movement are commercially available. However, these devices still lack the touch feedback needed for dexterous manipulation. We aim to address this concern by developing non-invasive technology to replace missing touch sensations in prosthetic limbs via sensory substitution. Most current sensory substitution devices function as modular add-on devices, separate from the prosthesis.

Researchers aim for 'direct brain control' of prosthetic arms Engineers work to design prosthetic arm that allows amputees to feel what they touch http://www.media.rice.edu/media/NewsBot.asp?MODE=VIEW&ID=15983&SnID=1928481914 Engineering researchers at four U.S. universities are embarking on a four-year project to design a prosthetic arm that amputees can control directly with their brains and that will allow them to feel what they touch. While it may sound like science fiction, the researchers say much of the technology has already been proven in small-scale demonstrations. The research at Rice University, the University of Michigan, Drexel University and the University of Maryland is made possible by a $1.2 million grant from the National Science Foundation's Human-Centered Computing program.