KoALX - Development of a closed-loop sensory 'touch' feedback system and haptic sleeve for upper limb prothesis
Lead Participant:
KOALAA LIMITED
Abstract
**KoALX - Development of a closed-loop sensory 'touch' feedback system and haptic sleeve for upper limb prothesis**
Building upon Koalaa's patented-soft socket design, which has been adopted by over 3,000 amputees, the project focuses on the design and development of unique haptic feedback functionality.
Once mounted, the sleeve extends from the participant's proximal forearm to their wrist, allowing for a secure and comfortable fit while leaving enough space for an EMG electrode placement immediately distal to the elbow joint. The device is designed to compress the forearm proportionally to the pressure detected at prosthetic fingertips, thus delivering continuous mechanotactile feedback
The addition of haptics to this is a game-changing step forward in prothesis and not possible in current hard-shell designed bionics. The projects builds directly upon academic research _'**A Haptic Sleeve as a Method of Mechanotactile Feedback Restoration for Myoelectric Hand Prosthesis Users'**_ published by Aidan D. Roche from Edinburgh Medical School, College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine, The University of Edinburgh, which showed in basic trials the addition of feedback helped reduce the energy Users required to grip objects by ~30%-50%.
Based upon this highly-promising research base, the project focuses on the design and development of the wearable sleeve, electronics, EMG interface and sensory tools the form the Koalaa ALX Haptic Prosthesis. The technology will help address a simple but hugely significant part of upper limb activity, enabling users to reduce the energy needed to operate, increase satisfaction and help reduce costly abandonment
Building upon Koalaa's patented-soft socket design, which has been adopted by over 3,000 amputees, the project focuses on the design and development of unique haptic feedback functionality.
Once mounted, the sleeve extends from the participant's proximal forearm to their wrist, allowing for a secure and comfortable fit while leaving enough space for an EMG electrode placement immediately distal to the elbow joint. The device is designed to compress the forearm proportionally to the pressure detected at prosthetic fingertips, thus delivering continuous mechanotactile feedback
The addition of haptics to this is a game-changing step forward in prothesis and not possible in current hard-shell designed bionics. The projects builds directly upon academic research _'**A Haptic Sleeve as a Method of Mechanotactile Feedback Restoration for Myoelectric Hand Prosthesis Users'**_ published by Aidan D. Roche from Edinburgh Medical School, College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine, The University of Edinburgh, which showed in basic trials the addition of feedback helped reduce the energy Users required to grip objects by ~30%-50%.
Based upon this highly-promising research base, the project focuses on the design and development of the wearable sleeve, electronics, EMG interface and sensory tools the form the Koalaa ALX Haptic Prosthesis. The technology will help address a simple but hugely significant part of upper limb activity, enabling users to reduce the energy needed to operate, increase satisfaction and help reduce costly abandonment
Lead Participant | Project Cost | Grant Offer |
|---|---|---|
| KOALAA LIMITED | £485,162 | £ 339,613 |
Participant |
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| INNOVATE UK | ||
| INNOVATE UK |
People |
ORCID iD |
| Bryan Roberts (Project Manager) |