Traditionally, prosthetic hands are designed to mimic the hand movements of patients with a limited success rate. Patients often reported feeling disconnected and unsupported with these devices because they lack the sense of touch.

A recent breakthrough in prosthetic technology introduces the artificial hand that brings back the sense of touch. This advancement can significantly improve the patient’s quality of life and regain some of the functionalities associated with natural hands.

What is an Artificial Hand?

An artificial hand is a prosthetic device designed to replace all or part of a patient’s natural hand. These devices are usually made from silicone, rubber, or plastic, with a metal frame.

Their design and functions can vary depending on the manufacturer and the level of the patient’s amputation. Traditional prosthetic hands are controlled by cables and are not connected to the patient’s nervous system. These devices mimic hand movements, but patients cannot feel sensations through them.

How Does an Artificial Hand with Sense of Touch Work?

The new generation of artificial hands uses a neuroprosthetic interface that connects the prosthetic device to the patient’s nervous system.

This connection allows the patient to perceive sensations from the artificial hand, such as pressure, temperature, and texture. The sense of touch is essential for hand function, enabling patients to feel objects, manipulate them, and grip them with the appropriate force.

Additionally, artificial hands with a sense of touch use machine learning algorithms and artificial intelligence to interpret the signals from the nervous system and provide the appropriate response.

These devices have sensors built into their fingertips that detect sensory information, such as the force applied to the finger and the texture of the object’s surface.

Who can Benefit from an Artificial Hand with Sense of Touch?

Patients who have undergone a hand amputation or have a congenital disability affecting the hand’s functionality are suitable candidates for an artificial hand with a sense of touch.

These patients typically have lost their sense of touch to some degree, affecting their ability to perform daily tasks and affecting their quality of life. Artificial hands with a sense of touch offer them a chance to regain some of their lost functionality and improve their independence.

Advantages of an Artificial Hand with Sense of Touch

The most significant advantage of an artificial hand with a sense of touch is that it empowers patients with a greater sense of control over their prosthetic device.

Patients can feel the objects they are touching, enabling them to provide an appropriate response, such as adjusting the grip force or identifying an object’s shape. Additionally, patients can distinguish between different textures and temperatures, giving them more freedom when carrying out their tasks.

Another significant benefit of an artificial hand with a sense of touch is that it enhances the patient’s safety and reduces the risk of injury.

Patients who use traditional prosthetic hands may not be able to perceive dangerous temperatures or sharp objects, causing accidental injuries. However, patients who use an artificial hand with a sense of touch are better equipped to identify and avoid hazardous situations.

Disadvantages of an Artificial Hand with Sense of Touch

Despite its significant advantages, artificial hands with a sense of touch have some limitations. These devices tend to be more expensive than traditional prosthetic hands, making them less affordable for some patients.

Additionally, these devices require expert training and can take longer to customize for the patient’s needs.

Conclusion

The development of artificial hands with a sense of touch is a significant technological breakthrough, particularly for patients with hand amputations or congenital disabilities.

These devices can significantly enhance the patient’s quality of life, providing them with more independence, improving their safety, and facilitating their daily tasks. Although these devices are currently more expensive and require more training than traditional prosthetic hands, they are still an attractive option for patients who would benefit from the sense of touch.