Tech | September 21, 2008 | 12 comments

Neurogenetics to pave artificial limb revolution

source: http://www.gizmowatch.com/entry/darpa-neurally-controlled-artifical-limb-to-feel-like-real-arm/

Image
EddieStarr
"In four years from now, we might see the first 'neurally controlled artificial arm'. We have been witness to a lot of robotic arms that restore basic movement but stopped short of replicating an actual limb to its entirety. Now, Darpa believes an artificial limb, which feels and performs like a person's native limb, can be developed.

What's innovative: Unlike existing robotic arms, Darpa's artificial limb aims to restore complete sensory and motor capabilities in addition to mobility. The prosthetic arm will connect directly to the peripheral nervous system, thus eliminating the 'artificial limb' feeling. It will help 'upper extremity amputees' to use their prosthetic arm the same way as the limb they lost..."
  1. groups:
    Tech,   Green,   WTF,   Earth and Science,   2 more
  2. tags:
    WTF,  Green,  Tech,  Earth and Science,  7 more
  3.     
    |

12 comments // Neurogenetics to pave artificial limb revolution

  • NeoDotCom
  • onechance
  • CCashman
  • Stevox
  • purplefox
    • 0
      purplefox  

    • That would be an amazing break-through - and without the stigma, moral concerns and rejection of transplants. I wonder if future prosthetics might even be designed to enhance performance beyond what we're naturally capable of - I wonder if people would start opting for an artificial replacement...

    • 3 years ago
  • drewsuf721
    • 0
      drewsuf721  

    • Great Idea, but I've heard leg prosthetics have been used more often by the patients. I hope biomedical technology keeps the ethical goal of restoring the handicapped to 100% and not designing mind-controlled toys for rich kids.

    • 3 years ago
  • Neghie
  • arcticspirit
    • 0
      arcticspirit  
    • Image

    • Ghost in a shell. The tech is nearly here...
      Well has a little ways to go.
      OK.. a LONG way to go, but I can dream dammit!

      With my constant/as in 24/7 high pain levels, a snowball of neuromuscular and neurological diseases, and more.. plus being stuck in a wheel chair (on good days), I would love a full and total prosthetic body, IF it was like the ones on the series Ghost in a Shell.

      Those you can't tell the difference between real and not. And they put your brain in there, so it's really you.

      OK, so my anime geek is coming out, what do you expect: Raised in Japan (I feel like i should have a stamp on my butt or something.)

    • 3 years ago
  • Drawk
  • Pilf
  • Echelon
    • 0
      Echelon  

    • Awesome! If neural signals can be converted into electrical commands sent down wires that control these things, then it is conceivable that the signals could also be sent wirelessly, which means I can rig a couple of these suckers atop a wheeled platform which I can "will" around my house, cleaning up messes, doing laundry and making dinner... all from the comfort of my couch!

    • 3 years ago
  • bimmer_man
more from Tech:
from the community

top videos