Our skin's sense of touch has many practical functions, including balance, communication, and to protect our bodies. Despite significant advancement in prosthetic technology, modern prosthetics do not offer any sensory stimulation, which we rely on to perform many basic tasks.
Shriya Srinavasan invented a neural interface which creates a natural sense of touch by redesigning the amputation procedure. The Cutaneous Mechanoneural Interface is a tissue architecture which harnessing natural skin sensors to relay prosthetic feedback. During amputation, skin flaps for sensory areas are preserved and attached with muscle graft actuators, which send electrical stimulation up the limb, relaying a sensation of natural touch.
