DARPA is developing mind-controlled prosthetics, including a modular limb known as 'Luke', which can interpret signals from the brain through targeted muscle reinnervation and osseointegration. The technology features robotic fingertips with tactile sensors, and future enhancements aim to wirelessly transmit sensory information to the brain for enhanced user experience. Initial human tests are underway, showcasing the potential to restore a sense of touch and alleviate phantom limb pain.

1. Mind-
Controlled
Prosthetics
By Matthew Garibaldi

2. Is it real?
• The “Modular
Prosthetic Limb” has
been developed by the
company DARPA!
• It’s a highly articulated,
computer-driven
device that can receive
signals from the
human brain and
transmit those signals
to the brain
Yup!

3. That’s so
cool!
• The thought of pairing
an artificial limb with an
organic brain is like
something out of
science fiction!
• DARPA is developing a
mind-controlled
prosthetic arm called
“Luke”, in honor of
Luke Skywalker

4. How does
it work?
• The surgical procedure
“targeted muscle
reinnervation” (TMR)
reassigns nerves into
a residual limb to make
better use of a
prosthetic replacement!
• Osseointegration is a
procedure that allows
patients to connect
prosthetic devices
directly to the bone

5. Are there
limitations?
The robotic fingertips
contain tactile sensors
that detect texture,
pressure and temperature,
yet for the user to feel
that, these signals need to
reach the brain

6. Can that be
fixed?
• Yes, and in the not-too-distant
future!!
• A procedure would involve two
small devices that are directly
wired to the brain’s somatosensory
cortex, along nerve bundles in the
chest and back of a user!
• Information beamed wirelessly
from the prosthetic limb would
stimulate the cortex!
• It’s basically a closed circuit that
melds synthetic and biological
wires

7. The future
• DARPA is working to fine-tune sensory implants,
as well as implants that transmit information the
other way to replace wearable devices!
• Early versions of these devices are already being
tested on humans, and the technology can both
restore a sense of touch and dramatically reduce
“phantom limb” pain