The Physics Grand Challenges at the University of Sydney chose a prosthetics project as the winner of a $250,000 prize. The research project, “Bionic Limbs with ‘Feeling’: A Revolutionary Bi-directional Nerve Interface,” is led by Stefano Palomba, PhD, an associate professor at the university.
Palomba’s team aims to create a bi-directional nerve interface that directly connects nerves of the peripheral nervous system (PNS) on one side with any corresponding bionic device on the other, enabling people with PNS-related disabilities (e.g., in need of a prosthetic limb or a bionic eye, etc.) to regain not only control over the affected organ but also to regain sensation. The technology can potentially mitigate other neural-related diseases like chronic pain and cerebral palsy, and also underpin fundamental research in neuromorphic intelligence and neurodegenerative disorders.
The intention of Palomba’s research is to create a Universal Neurophotonic Interface (UNI), where light is used to bi-directionally communicate with individual neurons. The technology will see the development of two photonic chips: one that generates an action potential that will constitute the sensory feedback delivered directly to the nerves and a second that collects the action potential from nerves emitting signals in reverse to generate a command signal.
The team’s goal is to create a proof of concept by developing and testing the two photonics chips capable of bi-directionally interfacing with individual neurons.
The Grand Challenges showcase opportunities for physics to drive research and breakthroughs that could transform the world and support unconventional, innovative, interdisciplinary research projects. The event requires researchers to present a five-minute pitch to an audience of staff, students, and a panel of judges comprised of Physics Foundation members and distinguished industry colleagues.
Editor’s note: This story was adapted from materials provided by the University of Sydney.
