Do you ever find yourself struggling to complete a task with just two arms? If so, there is a new device that could assist you. This robotic arm can be worn and controlled using the muscles you use to breathe.
The robotic arm can be mounted in the middle of the chest, on the shoulder, or under the arm, depending on the user’s preference. Engineer Giulia Dominigianni, part of the team at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne (EPFL) that created the device, explains the flexibility in mounting options.
Previously, robots were designed to replace missing limbs, conveying signals directly from the brain to the robotic arm. However, this new device was developed to be controlled by the user’s breathing, creating a supportive extra limb that can be operated by both arms.
The robotic arm is attached to an elastic belt around the user’s chest, with a sensor tracking the movement of the diaphragm. When the user breathes in deeply, the arm extends, and when breathing out, it retracts.
The third arm prototype can point to numbers on a desk using a black bar (the part that becomes the hand), and the wearer controls the movement with their breath. The arm’s designers are currently working on a better hand that can grasp objects.
© 2023 EPFL/Alain Herzog (CC-BY-SA)
Virtual help
The EPFL team first created the arm in virtual reality, where users would see an avatar with two natural arms and an additional robotic arm. Through tests and training, users learned to control the virtual third arm using their breathing and eye movements.
After successful testing in virtual reality, a physical robotic arm was built, functioning similarly to the virtual version. Previous users found it easier to control the real robotic arm, showing promise for future developments.
The EPFL team will present initial findings in December 2023 and are currently working on enhancing the robotic hand’s ability to grasp objects.
Future developments
While the robotic arm can be controlled alongside natural arms, further research is needed to understand the brain’s ability to manage multiple limbs simultaneously. Scientists across various fields are working together to explore the potential of wearable robotic devices.
These advancements in robotic limbs could greatly benefit individuals with disabilities or those in recovery. The potential for surgeons to utilize extra arms for intricate procedures is also being explored.
Source: www.snexplores.org
