Georgia Tech Reveals Star Wars Inspired Prosthetic Hand with Improved Dexterity and Finger Control

December 2017 - Researchers at Georgia Tech revealed their work on a new generation prosthetic hand that provides the most accurate and subtle control yet. The device uses ultrasonic sensors that provide users with fine motor control of each finger and gestures compared to traditional electromyogram sensors. Jason Barnes has used a traditional prosthetic hand since 2012, powered by (EMG) sensors attached to the muscles that used to control his fingers. As a musician, he found this device cumbersome and inaccurate. The new prosthetic has been compared to Luke Skywalker’s bionic hand in Star Wars and is a large improvement from Barnes’ original prosthetic. 

 

According to Gil Weinberg, Director of Georgia Tech’s Center for Music Technology, “EMG sensors aren’t very accurate. They can detect a muscle movement, but the signal is too noisy to infer which finger the person wants to move. We tried to improve the pattern detection from EMG for Jason but couldn’t get finger-by-finger control.” In 2014 the same team provided Barnes with a prosthetic hand that would allow him to continue playing the drums. Comparing that device to the new one Barnes said, "It's completely mind-blowing. This new arm allows me to do whatever grip I want, on the fly, without changing modes or pressing a button. I never thought we'd be able to do this."

 

Gil Weinberg, Georgia Tech College of Design professor and project lead said, “Our prosthetic arm is powered by ultrasound signals. By using this new technology, the arm can detect which fingers an amputee wants to move, even if they don’t have fingers.” The force seems strong with this new device Weinberg noted, “If this type of arm can work on music, something as subtle and expressive as playing the piano, this technology can also be used for many other types of fine motor activities such as bathing, grooming and feeding. I also envision able-bodied persons being able to remotely control robotic arms and hands by simply moving their fingers.” The team will continue their work in providing more dextrous devices for people with disabilities. Source: Jason Maderer, Georgia Tech News Center.