Technology That Will Let Amputees Feel Again

Losing a limb results in not only the loss of function of that limb, but also the sensation of touch and feeling with that limb. While prosthetics can return the function of that limb they cannot return the sense of feeling its surroundings, until now.  Georgia Tech has developed a new type of material made up of arrays of transistors made of nanowires that is nearly as sensitive to mechanical force as human skin is. [1] These nanowires work by generate an electrical charge in response to applied mechanical force; the current flowing through the nanowires is controlled by the electrical charge generated when strain or force applied is to the transistors. [1] This means that by decoding the signals given by the transistors it is possible to tell what kind of tactile surface is being touched by the material.

Eventually this can be used as a prosthetic skin or add-on covering for already existing prosthetics. The goal of prosthetics has always been to restore what was lost as best as possible, and with this new technology maybe one day soon we will see prosthetics that are able to fully replace all the things you lose when you lose a limb. Not only will function and fine motor skills be restored, but the senses that also were part of that limb such as touch and sensitivity to pressures as well. As this technology advances further it will also be possible to one day allow people who may not need a prosthetic, but have nerve damage preventing normal sensations in parts of their body, to perhaps wear a suit/clothing covered in this material and regain lost sensations.

[1] Nanoscale Pressure Sensors Mimic Human Skin, Mike Orcutt, April 25, 2013. http://www.technologyreview.com/news/514131/nanoscale-pressure-sensors-mimic-human-skin/