Stanford engineers have developed a plastic skin like
material that can detect pressure and deliver signals to the brain. This is a
big step in creating a sense of touch to prostetic limbs.
This technology works by have a double layer piece of
plastic. One of the layers is malleable and is able to flex whenever it is
touched. From that, the flex is then detected by a second layer of plastic.
This second layer then sends a Morse code like signal to the brain. The range
of this technology in regards to sensitivity is almost human-like. This can
activate neurons and make them send signals to the brain.
Although this technology is still being developed, it is incredible
to see where we have come in terms of prosthetics and creating a way for people
who are handicapped to live like normal. This technology is a huge leap in
engineering and will lead to new developments in the engineering field.
By Sunny Dhanjal
http://engineering.stanford.edu/news/stanford-engineers-create-artificial-skin-can-send-pressure-sensation-brain-cell
I love how your blog includes new technology that is currently being created or tested! I wonder how long it will take before sense of touch for prosthetic limbs will be a real thing that people could have in the world, because that sounds like a long process to create prosthetic limbs with a sense of touch that are usable and accessible for people.
ReplyDeleteI honestly did not know prosthetic limbs were considered as engineering, I thought only people in the medical field dealt with that, so that's awesome to know!
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