Implantable chip developed to offer better control of arm prosthetics

Researchers have developed an innovative type of prosthetic chip that could provide people with arm prosthetics greater control of their replacement limbs.

Created by the IMEC research institute and the University of Florida, the thin-silicon chip offers an ultra-compact design measuring only 35 micrometres, with biocompatible, hermetic and flexible packaging.

A total of 64 electrodes – potentially expandable to 128 – are mounted on the surface, allowing the package to be attached inside a nerve bundle to read signals from the muscles or peripheral nerves, allowing the electromotors in the prosthesis to be controlled.

This new technology offers improved precision in terms of reading and stimulation compared to current approaches, which utilise substantially fewer electrodes and is wrapped around the nerve bundle, rather than being placed inside.

It will help to give patients more control over their prosthetic arm and hand, as well as opening up the possibility of finer haptic feedback.

Maaike Op de Beeck, programme manager at IMEC, said: "The final result is an ultrathin flexible electronic device with a thickness comparable to that of a human hair, hence ultimately suitable for minimal invasive implantation."

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