Natural-feeling control for prosthetic hands using implanted nerve-driven muscle signals
Improving hand kinematic predictions from implanted EMG in humans and monkeys
Researchers are developing deep-learning methods that turn signals from implanted muscle grafts into smooth, simultaneous wrist and finger control for people with upper-limb amputations.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Michigan at Ann Arbor NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ann Arbor, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11193474 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
The team uses a technique called Regenerative Peripheral Nerve Interfaces (RPNIs), small muscle grafts that reinnervate and provide consistent implanted EMG signals. They will apply reusable deep-learning architectures, adapted from brain–machine interface work, to translate those implanted EMG signals into continuous finger and wrist movements. Experiments will be run in both monkeys and human participants with similar implanted electrodes to refine algorithms and signal separation. A key goal is to separate stabilization-related EMG from wrist-movement EMG so users can control wrist and fingers at the same time.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults with upper-limb amputations who are eligible for or already have implanted EMG/RPNI interfaces and can travel to the study site for testing.
Not a fit: People without upper-limb amputation, those ineligible for surgical implantation, or those unwilling to have implanted electrodes are unlikely to benefit directly.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could give amputees more natural, reliable, and simultaneous control of prosthetic wrists and fingers, improving everyday tasks.
How similar studies have performed: The investigators have previously shown RPNI signals in humans and applied deep-learning methods in other neural interfaces, so this is a promising but novel combination.
Where this research is happening
Ann Arbor, United States
- University of Michigan at Ann Arbor — Ann Arbor, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chestek, Cynthia Anne — University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
- Study coordinator: Chestek, Cynthia Anne
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.