Tucuman scientists develop intelligent prostheses | They design prototypes for hands and legs

by time news

Researchers from the Faculty of Exact Sciences and Technology of the National University of Tucumán (UNT) are studying prototypes of hand and leg prostheses that adapt to the comfort of users. For this, they use a technique called biofeedback, which consists of sensors that monitor the position of the prosthesis and pass this information to the body through small pressures on the stumps or heat bands that indicate the position of the leg, depending on the position. temperature.

Currently, despite the existence of sophisticated devices, patients often abandon them after a short time or use them for short periods because they are uncomfortable. “The hypothesis to be tested is that using these sensors in robotic prostheses will decrease the user’s rejection rate.“, account Lucas Acosta, member of the Research Laboratory in Applied Science and Technology (LINTEC) of the UNT. The objective is to stimulate the perception of the joint positions of the artificial leg through other sensory channels.

In this line, the teacher and researcher of the UNT, Fernando Farfandetails that there are numerous models of prostheses in the world, but it is impossible to compete in this technology with the most developed countries. “For this reason, the contribution of this research consists in transmitting information on the position of the prosthesis to the user with artificial sensors so that he can measure it and correct it according to his perception”, he highlights.

Despite the fact that the Laboratory has a scanner and 3D printer, the developers do not seek to mass-produce prostheses, but rather make improved prototypes of legs and hands that take into account the sensations of the user so that later any manufacturer can use that information.

train the user

The intention is that the sensors provide information about the angular position of the joints and that people are trained to interpret that signal and be aware of the position in which the leg or hand is. “With the robotic leg we do not have mental control to perform the movement. The common prosthesis only assists in movement, but ours will send a signal in proportion to the position of the knee or ankle so that the person can feel it.”, highlights Acosta.

It is not currently known or predictable how long a person wears a prosthesis. In this sense, Farfán details: “When we install the sensors, you will be able to see the adaptation of the person, what they feel when using it and only then can we take measures so that they do not abandon it.” That of the Tucuman specialists is an example of science with a social impact, knowledge put at the service of people’s needs.

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