Prosthetic fingers move by translating a person's thoughts into physical actions using advanced technology.
Methods of Control
The movement of prosthetic fingers is controlled in a few ways, each designed to interpret the user's intentions and convert them into precise movements of the artificial hand. These technologies often involve a direct interface between the user's nervous system and the prosthetic device.
Brain Implants
- Tiny sensors are implanted in the areas of the brain that control hand movements.
- When the user thinks about moving their hand, these sensors detect the neural signals and transmit them to a computer.
- The computer processes these signals and directs the prosthetic hand to move accordingly.
Nerve Electrodes
- Small electrodes are attached to the amputated nerves in the arm.
- When the user thinks about moving their fingers, these electrodes pick up the nerve signals.
- These signals are then processed by a computer, which translates them into commands for the prosthetic hand.
How it Works
| Step | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Thought | The user consciously thinks about moving their fingers, just as they would with a natural hand. |
| Signal Detection | Either brain implants or nerve electrodes detect the neurological signals associated with the intended movement. |
| Signal Processing | A computer receives and interprets the signals. |
| Prosthetic Action | Based on the processed signal, the computer sends commands to the prosthetic fingers to move in the desired way, simulating natural movement. |
Essentially, the technology acts as a translator between the user's brain or nerves and the mechanical parts of the prosthetic. This allows for relatively intuitive control of complex hand movements.
Example
For example, when a person wants to pick up a pen, they think about curling their fingers. This thought triggers neurological signals which are picked up by implanted sensors or attached electrodes. The computer processes these signals and then tells the prosthetic hand to curl its fingers and grasp the pen.
