Scientists have developed a prosthetic hand that can feel hot and cold sensations by exploiting the phantom limb syndrome experienced by many amputees, without requiring.
An unexpected discovery about temperature feedback has led to new bionic technology that allows amputees to sense the temperature of objects ¬ both hot and cold directly in the phantom hand. The technology opens up new avenues for non-invasive prosthetics.
The technology, which has been tested for more than two years, does not need to be implanted. It can be worn on the skin and combined with a regular prosthetic.
Fabrizio Fidati, who lost his right hand in an accident 25 years ago, had not experienced the sensation of temperature in his missing digits until trials for a bionic technology unlocked the cool of iced water and heat of a stove burner for him. Eventually, the researchers hope it could lead to a more natural feeling of loved ones when he is wearing his prosthetic.