In the past prosthetic limbs were clunky and limited in function. Thanks to 3D printing, prosthetics can easily be made to custom fit its user as well as be designed for greater mobility and more complex functions such as playing sports. Now a group of researchers from various Australian institutions are taking it a step further to help restore ones sense of touch.
A collaboration between the University of Melbourne, the University of Wollongong, and several other institutions coordinated by St. Vincent’s Hospital’s Aikenhead Centre for Medical Discovery are studying the way the human arm communicates signals to the brain. They intend to reproduce that signalling process artificially.
They are currently working on prototype robotic arm that uses 3D printed microchips to create communication between implanted electrodes and natural tissue and muscle.
While much of the research remains confidential, the idea is that the microchips will act as conduits enabling communication between the human brain and robotic arm.
A collaboration between the University of Melbourne, the University of Wollongong, and several other institutions coordinated by St. Vincent’s Hospital’s Aikenhead Centre for Medical Discovery are studying the way the human arm communicates signals to the brain. They intend to reproduce that signalling process artificially.
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