Originally published on January 21, 2014<br /><br />------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br /><br />The Alfred Man Foundation has developed a prosthetic hand that utilizes implantable myoelectric sensors known as the IMES system. It is a minimally invasive, intuitive control system that can help a patient control a prosthetic limb by reading the wearer's residual muscle movements.<br /><br />According to reports, Staff Sergeant James Sides, who lost his right arm in an IED explosion in Afghanistan, is the first patient to test a myoelectric prosthetic hand.<br /><br />The system takes advantage of the electrochemicals signals that exist in the body. <br /><br />Tiny wireless platinum/iridium sensors, about 16 mm (0.66 inches) long, are embedded directly into the residual muscles of the amputee's limb where they detect the <br />signals that go from the brain to the muscles and that control specific movements. <br /><br />These signals are captured and sent wirelessly from the implanted sensor to a decoder box which serves as an electronic brain. Here the signals are translated into the intended movement in the artificial limb. <br /><br />According to the Alfred Man Foundation, the IMES system essentially bridges the gap between the brain and the artificial limb, enabling the brain to intuitively control the prosthesis.<br /><br />The system allows for three degrees of movement: opening and closing of the hand, rotation of the wrist 180 degrees clockwise and counter-clockwise, and lateral movement of the thumb.<br /><br />With the combination of these three movements the artificial limb allows the patient to easily perform daily tasks.<br /><br />According to reports, future systems will include up to 13 angles of motion and pre-programmed patterns, much like Touch Bionics' i-Limb myoelectric hand.<br /><br />------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br /><br />Welcome to TomoNews, where we animate the most entertaining news on the internets. Come here for an animated look a
