In many ways, controlling a computer using brainwaves is a more promising field of development than trying to control an actual mechanical device such as an arm. With the former, you need less research and hardware costs and once the basic principles are in place, the technique can be extended to controlling anything.

The latest research comes from Rhode Island where a group of researchers are working on a system called “Braingate” which consists of placing an implant into a subject’s brain and interpreting those signals to perform some activity. To summarize the goals neatly, it’s “Turning thought into action.” The pilot clinical trials were started on the 4th of June and are expected to be a breakthrough in neurotechnology.

Keep tuned to this blog for more as we continue to cover the latest developments as and when they happen in this exciting and ever changing field.

Hangar Prosthetics based in Raleigh, North Carolina has developed a device called the “i-Limb” which can “pinch” items and allow more control. Bill Limehouse demonstrates as he makes the iLimb grip a ball and shows how it wraps around an object. The iLimb has 5 pinching movements (one for each finger) and this allows more sophisticated functionality. In addition, the iLimb can be rotated manually so that the prosthetic can find the best angle to grip, or to push buttons like on an ATM.

This isn’t some science lab technology. It’s available on the market at a current cost of $18,000. According to data, not all insurance companies cover it – but some certainly do. We know for a fact that Medicare does not.

Artificial limbs are a long way from becoming like the artificial hand of Luke Skywalker, but as they grow more and more functional, who knows?