A device that gives people who use upper-limb prosthetic devices a sense of touch through haptic feedback is in development at the University of Bath, with an at-home trial set to begin. The glove and armband combine to include force sensors and vibration effectors, as well as a smartwatch-like microcontroller that allows users to modify the feedback settings through a mobile app.
The app gives users the ability to adjust the intensity and type of vibrations, as well as which sensors are used to activate them. The microcontroller also connects the kit to the internet to enable the recording of relevant data and updating the firmware based on input from the participants.
The project, which includes university engineers and prosthetics manufacturer Open Bionics, aims to reduce the rate of users who abandon their prostheses by involving them in the design process to create a wearable device that can provide touch-like feedback through vibrations. Participants will test the device at home, rather than in the lab, and updates will be made via the internet in direct response to their feedback, giving them the opportunity to customize their device.
The device is being developed following an earlier study that found that people with upper-limb differences desire reliable sensory feedback technology that extends beyond simple fingertip sensors, with input from several areas of the hand and arm. Study participants highlighted that despite knowing that feedback would be useful, they needed to try it to know how it would fit into their lives and, thus, how they need it to be designed.
“Our overarching goal is to transform the way that assistive technology is designed by using technology to enable at-home co-creation,” said Benjamin Metcalfe, PhD, deputy director of the Bath Institute for the Augmented Human.
“Using the Internet of Things, whereby the technology is connected to the internet, means that both the users and the research team can get a more representative view of how the technology is being used within the home. All stakeholders can view real-time feedback and implement rapid changes to the technology that opens up the scope to co-create and make our research more user-focused, helpful and impactful.”
People interested in taking part in the trials are invited to contact the team at bathreg.onlinesurveys.ac.uk/sensory-feedback-iot.
Editor’s note: This story was adapted from materials provided by the University of Bath.
