Scientists develop new device to enable man sense temperature with his prosthetic hand

Researchers in Italy and Switzerland have developed a device called “MiniTouch” that allows a person with an amputation to sense temperature with a prosthetic hand.

The device was attached to the prosthetic hand of a 57-year-old man named Fabrizio, who could accurately identify cold, cool, and hot objects, differentiate between materials, and sort steel blocks by temperature.

The device also improved his ability to distinguish between touching an artificial or human arm, according to ScienceNews.

The technology is a significant step towards prosthetic limbs that restore a full range of senses, making them more functional and accepted by users. The researchers aim to further develop the device by adding more temperature-sensitive locations on the prosthetic hand and combining the ability to sense touch as well as temperature.