It is an exciting time for upper limb prosthetics when the entire spectrum of holistic patient care is becoming more connected, resulting in more successful outcomes every year. While TASKA is a leader in myoelectric multi-articulating hands, we remain committed to multi-disciplined pathways to achieve these outcomes. But in the prosthetic hand research space specifically, what does the future hold?

One of the most exciting developments on the horizon is the reconnection of sensory nerves to facilitate a sense of touch. While the concept of a sense of touch promises a transformative experience for prosthetic users, the path to achieving it is complex. The technology involves significant challenges, including surgeries, infection risks, and algorithm development that translates our tactile experience into sensory signals that the brain can interpret (somatosensory system).

Despite these hurdles, we anticipate the emergence of commercial systems by the end of the decade, approximately 24 years after the USA's Defence Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) invested in ‘Revolutionising Prosthetics.’ This initiative has been the catalyst for many of the new developments in this field. See the examples from some of our research partners, the University of Arkansas and the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, described on our Research page.

According to studies, reconnecting sensory nerves not only enables a sense of touch but also reduces phantom limb pain by terminating “floating” sensory nerves in the residuum. For many patients, this reduction in phantom pain could be as significant to their daily living experience as the ability to feel with these new technologies.

Photo: Engineer tests the fingers and palm touch sensors of the TASKA CX Sensor hand.

Another promising area of research involves implantable technologies that can stimulate motor neurons. This development could surpass the current range of control mechanisms, such as two site electromyography (EMG) and pattern recognition technologies. By establishing a more direct connection with muscles, implanted motor-neuron interfaces would enable more direct control of individual digits, opening the door for a next generation of prosthetic hands.

TASKA continues to collaborate with research groups to advance these developments. With the integration of 26 custom touch sensors, the TASKA CX Sensor hand has been specifically designed for field trials to explore both sense-of-touch and advanced hand control technologies. Through these collaborations, we aim to push the boundaries of prosthetic hand functionality.

It is a privilege and an exciting opportunity to be part of this revolutionary period in prosthetic development. The enthusiasm and dedication of the research community promise much-improved outcomes for patients in the coming years and will undoubtedly lead to transformative experiences for users.