Improving control of prosthetic limbs for amputees using advanced neural interfaces
Official title: Regenerative Ultramicroelectrode arrays for sensory-motor specific interfacing
Funded at University of Arizona · NIH-11078035 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on making prosthetic limbs feel and move more naturally for amputees by creating special technology that helps the devices better understand signals from the nervous system, so users can have a smoother experience with their artificial limbs.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Arizona NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Tucson, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $542,610 |
| NIH project number | 7R01NS124222-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11078035 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals aged 21 and older who have experienced upper limb amputations and are seeking improved prosthetic solutions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with lower limb amputations or those who do not use prosthetic devices may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on enhancing the functionality of prosthetic limbs for amputees by developing advanced neural interfaces that can better interpret sensory feedback. The project aims to create a regenerative ultramicroelectrode array that allows for more precise communication between the nervous system and prosthetic devices. By utilizing innovative techniques to improve the selectivity of neural recordings and stimulation, the research seeks to reduce common issues such as signal deterioration and sensory artifacts. This approach could lead to more intuitive control of prosthetics, allowing users to experience a more natural interaction with their artificial limbs.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve the quality of life for amputees by providing them with more effective and responsive prosthetic limbs.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using advanced neural interfaces for prosthetic control, indicating that this approach could lead to significant advancements in the field.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Arizona
Tucson, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Romero-Ortega, Mario Ignacio — University of Arizona
- Study coordinator: Romero-Ortega, Mario Ignacio
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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.