The National Institutes of Health Introduce New Advanced Bionic Limb Technology

Shreveport, LA – Through advanced bionic limb technology, the National Institutes of Health’s (NIH) BRAIN Initiative team announces the possibility of an artificial sense of touch.

Patients who experience a loss of sensation could feel their movements again through the advanced bionic limbs paired with groundbreaking brain-stimulating electrodes.

The NIH reports, “Researchers have been experimenting with intracortical microstimulation (ICMS) of the brain. This technique involves placing tiny electrodes into an area of the brain called the somatosensory cortex. This brain region processes sensory information from the arms and hands.”

Early testing has shown promising results, with patients feeling the artificial touch through prosthetic use. 

In one study, a participant had the ICMS connected to their brain in a virtual driving simulator. The participant could steer the vehicle’s wheel to navigate the streets with the prosthetic arm, but most importantly, they showed signs of sensory detection in their fingertips.

With more research and development, this new technology could exponentially improve prosthetic limb satisfaction and use.

For more information and updates, visit the National Institutes of Health's website.

References

The National Institutes of Health Introduce New Advanced Bionic Limb Technology Abigail Johnson life, 6 Mar. 2025. Matters, 6 Mar. 2025.

National Institutes of Health. “Creating an Artificial Sense of Touch.” NIH Research Adobe Stock, 2025, picture, https://magazine.medlineplus.gov/article/bringing-prosthetic-hands-to-life, 6 Mar. 2025.