Developing wearable devices to restore touch sensation for amputees and stroke patients
Multipoint contact pressure for haptic sensory prostheses
This study is working on new wearable devices that can help people who have lost their sense of touch, like those with amputations or conditions like diabetes or stroke, by using special technology to create gentle vibrations and pressure that mimic real sensations.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Stanford University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stanford, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11138324 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on creating wearable devices that can simulate the sense of touch for individuals who have lost this ability due to conditions like amputation, diabetes, or stroke. By using advanced 3D printing techniques, the project aims to develop soft actuators that can provide haptic feedback, mimicking the sensations of pressure and vibration. The devices will be designed to stimulate alternative body parts, helping to restore some level of sensory experience. The research will involve testing different pressure intensities and contact methods to optimize the effectiveness of these haptic sensory prostheses.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include individuals who have experienced loss of touch sensation due to amputation, diabetes, or stroke.
Not a fit: Patients with intact sensory function or those whose conditions do not affect their sense of touch may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve the quality of life for patients by restoring their sense of touch and enhancing their ability to perform daily tasks.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in using haptic feedback devices for sensory restoration, indicating that this approach could be effective.
Where this research is happening
Stanford, United States
- Stanford University — Stanford, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Okamura, Allison Mariko — Stanford University
- Study coordinator: Okamura, Allison Mariko
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.