The neuroprosthetics segment has seen some advancement lately, but the technology is still isn’t very accessible to most amputees. However, MIT has come up with a cost-effective solution. In a joint project with Shanghai Jiao Tong University, the researchers have developed a neuroprosthetic that will set users back by around $500 in components.

Easy to use neuroprosthetic

They have designed an inflatable hand that is built from an elastomer called EcoFlex. The hand incorporates electric motors to make a pneumatic system that inflates and bends its balloon-like digits. The device is capable of assuming different grasps that allow an amputee to do things such as petting animals, pour water into a glass. The prosthetic hand can translate how the user wants to use it through a software program that decodes the EMG signals the brain sends to an injured limb.

The weight of the prosthetic is around half a pound and it can give some sense of feeling to the wearer. It does that with the help of some pressure sensors. When the user touches an object, the sensors send electric signals to a specific position on the arm. Another plus point of the arm is that it doesn’t take a long time to get the hang of it. Two volunteers were able to write with a pen just within 15 minutes of use.

Mass production is still years away

“This is not a product yet, but the performance is already similar or superior to existing neuroprosthetics, which we’re excited about,” said Professor Xuanhe Zhao, one of the engineers. “There’s huge potential to make this soft prosthetic very low cost, for low-income families who have suffered from amputation.”

While the tech could take many years before it makes it mainstream market, the team is already working on making the design better. Researchers want to make the prosthetic better at decoding electrical signals and make it more customizable for mass production.