What is the ‘Mia Hand’?
The Mia Hand, developed by Prensilia, is a robotic hand that can be used for various purposes, such as industrial automation, research, and medical prosthetics. The Mia Hand is designed to mimic the natural movements and gestures of a human hand, covering 80% of the activities of daily living. It has three actuators that enable it to interact with the environment and grasp objects, as well as sensors that provide feedback on position, speed, force, and current.
What Makes the ‘Mia Hand’ Different From Other Robotic Prosthetics?
However, what makes the Mia Hand stand out from other prosthetic hands is its ability to integrate with the user’s body through a novel human-machine interface. The Mia Hand can be directly anchored to the residual bone of the amputated limb through a surgical procedure called osseointegration.
This provides a stable and secure attachment that eliminates the need for a socket or harness. Moreover, the Mia Hand can also interface with the user’s muscles and nerves through sensory electrodes implanted in the residual limb. These electrodes allow the Mia Hand to create consistent direct neural stimulation that enables the user to control the hand with their brain signals and feel a limited sense of touch.
Who Is the First Person to Receive a ‘Mia Hand’ Transplant?
The first person to receive the Mia Hand with this advanced interface is Karin, a 50-year-old Swedish woman who lost her right hand due to a farming accident over 20 years ago. Karin underwent a series of surgeries and rehabilitation sessions to have the Mia Hand connected to her body.
She is now able to move each finger on her bionic hand at a 95% success rate and feel different levels of pressure on her palm and fingertips. Karin said that the Mia Hand has changed her life and given her new possibilities. “I can do things that I couldn’t do before. I can carry things, open bottles, peel potatoes, cut vegetables. It feels like my own hand,” she said.
The Mia Hand is a breakthrough in prosthetic technology that offers hope and improvement for people who have lost their limbs. It is also a testament to the collaboration and innovation of scientists and engineers from different fields and countries.
The Mia Hand project involved researchers from Prensilia, Chalmers University of Technology, Integrum AB, University of Gothenburg, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Össur, University of Pisa, Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna, and University of Utah.
The Mia Hand is still in its early stages of development and testing, and there are many challenges and limitations to overcome before it can be widely available and affordable. However, the potential benefits and applications of this bionic prosthetic hand are immense and promising. The Mia Hand could revolutionize prosthetics and enhance the quality of life for millions of people around the world.
A new bionic prosthetic hand that allows connection directly with the user’s bones, muscles, and nerves is about as futuristic as it gets.