Researchers have developed innovative bionic technology that enables amputees to perceive temperature through their phantom limbs, enhancing the experience of using prosthetics. This technology utilizes thermal electrodes, known as thermodes, placed on the residual limb to non-invasively convey temperature feedback. Patients can distinguish between hot and cold objects and recognize their materials, facilitating a more authentic sensory interaction.
Francesca Rossi, an amputee involved in a study, shared her experience of feeling temperature variations in her phantom hand, stating it creates a profound sense of reconnection to the absent limb. The study, conducted by EPFL in collaboration with other institutions, successfully provided temperature feedback to 17 out of 27 participants, revealing that the sensations felt in phantom limbs mimic those experienced by intact hands.
Researchers Silvestro Micera and Solaiman Shokur emphasized the significance of temperature feedback in enhancing social interactions and emotional connections. Their findings are a step forward in the quest to create realistic prosthetic sensations, building on previous advancements in sensory feedback for touch and position information. This pioneering work lays the groundwork for future developments in wearable prosthetic devices, aiming to restore a broader range of natural sensations to amputees.
