Neuromusculoskeletal Interface to Control a Bionic Arm
Official title: A Neuromusculoskeletal Interface for Bionic Arms: A Randomized Crossover Study
Funded at Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago D/b/a Shirley Ryan Abilitylab · NIH-11380708 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A cutting-edge, socket-free prosthesis that uses bone-anchored implants and muscle signals to control movements, helping people with arm loss regain natural use of their artificial arm.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago D/b/a Shirley Ryan Abilitylab NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $2,168,982 |
| NIH project number | 5UH3NS127063-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11380708 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with upper-limb amputation who are candidates for osseointegrated prosthetic attachment and EMG-based control.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals who are not eligible for osseointegration or who have contraindications to surgery or EMG-based control may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project aims to improve how people with arm loss connect their body to a prosthetic arm by attaching the prosthesis directly to the bone and decoding muscle signals to drive movement. It combines osseointegration, a bone-anchored implant, with advanced computer algorithms that translate EMG signals into precise prosthetic actions. The study uses a randomized crossover design to compare control methods and assess user experience, durability, and function over time. Participants living with an upper-limb amputation could potentially experience greater comfort, control, and natural-feeling use of their prosthesis.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could offer more natural, reliable control of an artificial arm and reduce socket-related skin problems for many users.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work shows promise with bone-anchored prostheses and EMG decoding, but randomized crossover data in this area remains evolving.
Where this research is happening
-
Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago D/b/a Shirley Ryan Abilitylab
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hargrove, Levi John — Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago D/b/a Shirley Ryan Abilitylab
- Study coordinator: Hargrove, Levi John
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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.