A Biomimetic Pressure Sensor

Various medical conditions can cause the loss of feeling in the fingers or extremities, resulting in the inability to sense touch. These conditions include stroke, peripheral neuropathy caused by diabetes, Parkinsons disease, multiple sclerosis, or cerebral palsy. Accidents can also cause neurological damage resulting in the patients inability to feel objects. Lack of normal sensory capability reduces the normal quality of life. Patients who lack the ability to sense touch can injure themselves accidentally and may be unaware of the injury. Researchers at Arizona State University have developed a sensor substitution sensor that allows individuals who have feeling loss to benefit from or receive neuromotor assistance. The device can be manufactured in two versions. The body-worn version is a sensing array that can measure forces and pressures acting on the skin, thus providing sensory substitution which may prevent or reduce secondary complications due to loss of sensation. The implanted version allows for measurements of strain on internal tissue such as bladder movement or cardiac contractions. Potential Applications Medical rehabilitation Internal biomechanical monitoring Robotics Benefits and Advantages Accuracy Precisely measures normal pressures and shear forces. Life Like Sensor is soft, composed of a skin-like silicone based material. Durable Device is capable of taking repeated, reliable measurements. Download Original PDF For more information about the inventor(s) and their research, please see Dr. Oliver Graudejus' directory webpage Dr. James Abbas' directory webpage