EU scientists develop LifeHand thought-controlled prosthesis
By Joseph L. Flatley 
posted December 3rd 2009 8:27AM
posted December 3rd 2009 8:27AM
We've seen plenty of developments in neurology and robotics over the years, including the Smart Hand prosthesis and targeted muscle reinnervation, and now researchers at the Bio-Medical Campus University of Rome have announced LifeHand. Connected via electrodes to an amputee named Pierpaolo Petruzziello, the device is able to perform complex movements and is controlled by thought alone. "It's a matter of mind, of concentration," said Petruzziello. "When you think of it as your hand and forearm, it all becomes easier." The five year project, funded to the tune of about $3 million by the European Union, is just the beginning -- they still have to figure out how to make the implants permanent. Get a closer look below.
Next step - put it on a Terminator...
but seriously, that's cool!
@jubjub Aww, beat me to it @_@ But yeah I want to see someone sporting this already!
Yawn...wake me when it becomes self aware.
It is pretty cool.
Watch out! The Connor's will hunt you down.
@isotrex
The Connor's can't stop our overall technology progression.
John, already knows this and hence (in the series) became an ally of a T-1001.
Do I have to lose an arm in an "accident" to get one of these?
@glamajamma
Only for "accidents" involving a light-saber.
@(Unverified)
So I should go talk to my father?
@glamajamma
No, glamajamma, I am your father.
@glamajamma:
In Europe, well my country and most other european countries, you can fry your arm, eat it with chicken nuggets, become a drug addict and a right wing christian/muslim with neonazitendensies, be unemployed, and a violent molesting criminal...
...and still get the same medical treatment as any filthy rich egocentric HUMAN BEING.
"Have a nice daaay" - George Carlin...
@glamajamma and bondsbw - that was epic, nicely done!
@glamajamma
@ rhesusplus
You are incorrect.
This is right up my alley. I would LOVE to work on a project like this!
@JjSwee
And is there a very very big problem that stops you from getting a job like that? :)
These projects need all kinds of people will different backgrounds and set of skills... :)
@DariusLT I like your enthusiasm! The big problem is finding a job like that!
@JjSwee
Anal probes are the next big thing in cybernetics.
@rhesusplus Maybe I'll keep my day job. :-p
@DariusLT Well, there is one problem. He's not European.
@DariusLT Oh, and the reason it's a problem is because:
A. Americans can't just move to Europe, they have to apply for visas and permits
B. European companies won't hire people that don't speak the local language - English alone is never good enough
C. I doubt he speaks Italian.
@JjSwee
I DO work on a project like this and there are at least two places in north america that have programs like this. If your local interested contact ISPO .
I wonder how many more years it will be before we start to see intentional amputations from people in favor of robot parts.
@jonny polite
Funny thought. The problem is sensation. It's hard to use a hand if you don't feel what you touch. Just think how hard it is to do some things with gloves on. Then think with no touchresponse at all..
@rhesusplus
http://www.boston.com/bigpicture/2009/03/robots.html
Read the caption for the first picture. The robot was retrofitted with sensitive flesh light fingertips. I am sure there is a way to get that feeling somewhat back to the brain.
@rhesusplus
So, I wouldn't be able to play guitar anymore?
Does the gallery not advance to the next picture for anyone else?
Testing to see if I'm still "Unverified."
I don't know if anybody caught the All Things Considered a couple weeks back on NPR that talked about prosthetics... but generally, they had a number of amputees and experts in the field who commented on the industry. While the public at large and media are obsessed with making "hand analogues," that is, things that look like and look to act like real hands, people who have lost limbs and need real-world mobility still prefer the archaic-looking but much more functional motorized hook. They almost all unanimously commented that seeing these sorts of 'sexy' news stories is frustrating to them because the devices just aren't as functional for daily needs as the motorized hooks are. And then of course is the cost factor, these cost millions of dollars, even in production, where as the more traditional devices run in the many thousands.
It was an illuminating episode of ATC and generally all of the guests commented that the stories on these hand-analogues are unrealistic and that more attention should be given to the devices that the disabled prefer, rather than the devices that the enabled *think* that the disabled would prefer.
@(Unverified)
I think (and granted I have hands) that it is still important for researchers to focus on these types of advancements for the very reason that they will not become truly viable otherwise.
I totally get that motorized hooks are better for now but hook science probably doesn't have many directions to advance in and these hands, if cheaper and more functional, would be far superior. Wouldn't they?
@jonny polite Arguably, yes, which is what I thought as well... but, at least according to this particular program (which is probably still on npr.org somewhere), these developments aren't driven by actual day-to-day useability, but rather, media attention and hence investment. Companies developing, or spending tons of money, on hand-analogues aren't developing those from the demand of the disabled, but because a lifelike looking hand gets a story on 60-minutes, even though most disabled prefer the technology developed 50-years ago.
Lemme see if I can find a podcast of the segment... probably about ~12 - ~15 minutes long.
how can something like this be posted without a video?
the still pictures don't really tell much about how well it works
@mrqs
ditto
@mrqs
I guess this is one of the moments where a picture paints a thousand words.
Does it shoot lasers and fire missiles yet?
Don't put one on anyone that's suicidal.
aint that annoying!
not only did the guy loose his hand, but now the GENIUSES @ EU gave him TWO RIGHT HANDS!!
but as far as the things is concerned, awesome!
Just in time for Deus Ex 3
too bad we can't use the laser etcher thing from the latest Engadget show to cut off our arms and put these on.
@HardToBelieve
you'll have no arms, but hands attached to your shoulders, not very practical.
can imagine how bad it would hurt to wack off with this on... give it some skin.
Mmm....metallo