Bionic Prostheses: Restoring Sensory Feedback through Neuroengineering

This lecture discusses the advancements in neuroengineering aimed at restoring sensory feedback in bionic prostheses. It begins with an overview of peripheral interfaces, highlighting the importance of selectivity and invasiveness in electrode design. The instructor explains various types of electrodes, including cuff electrodes, fine electrodes, and intraneural electrodes, emphasizing their roles in achieving effective nerve stimulation. The lecture further explores the concept of targeted muscle reinnervation (TMR), where nerves are rerouted to chest muscles to restore touch sensations. The significance of sensory feedback in enhancing the functionality of prosthetic devices is underscored, detailing how real-time feedback can improve user experience. The instructor also addresses the challenges of achieving effective sensory restoration, including the need for precise electrode placement and the balance between invasiveness and selectivity. The session concludes with a discussion on the potential of combining different approaches to optimize sensory feedback in prosthetic applications, paving the way for future innovations in the field.