# Movement-Sensing Prosthetics This New Prosthetic Uses Haptic Feedback to Provide Muscle Sense By Mary Van Puymbroeck | Published 2017-06-01 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/prosthetic-with-muscle-sensation References: [engadget](https://www.engadget.com/2017/05/30/haptic-feedback-gives-prosthetics-muscle-sense/) & [news.rice.edu](http://news.rice.edu/2017/05/30/tactile-feedback-adds-muscle-sense-to-prosthetic-hand-2/) Researchers from [Rice University](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/Meta-NFS) and the [University of Pisa](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/third-thumb) have combined their work to produce the first step towards developing a prosthetic with muscle sensation. This is a highly significant development as one of the largest hurdles to overcome in prosthetics was the lack of muscle sensation. Scientists were able to create highly functional prosthetic limbs but the lack of feedback can make operating the prosthetic a difficult and some impossible task. This prosthetic is unique in that it uses [non-invasive haptic feedback](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tactile-sensing-infrastructure) to transmit sensation to the user. Called the 'Rice Haptic Rocker,' the device sits on the users upper arm and a soft rubber patch moves with the prosthetic. "Based on this tactile feedback, the wearer is able to infer the relative position of the prosthetic without having to actively look at it". ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.4/10 - Popularity: 9% | Activity: 25% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Gadgets](https://www.trendhunter.com/gadgets) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Movement-sensing Prosthetics:** Developing prosthetics with muscle sensation could revolutionize the field of prosthetics, providing a more intuitive and natural user experience. - **Non-invasive Haptic Feedback:** The use of non-invasive haptic feedback in prosthetics opens up possibilities for more effective and comfortable sensory integration in future prosthetic designs. - **Tactile Feedback Technology:** Advancements in tactile feedback technology for prosthetics can enhance user proprioception and control, improving overall functionality and usability. ### Where This Applies - **Medical Devices:** The medical devices industry can explore disruptive innovation opportunities by incorporating movement-sensing prosthetics with haptic feedback into their product development. - **Healthcare Technology:** Healthcare technology companies can capitalize on non-invasive haptic feedback to improve the functionality and user experience of prosthetic devices, enhancing the lives of amputees. - **Biomedical Engineering:** Biomedical engineering industry can leverage advancements in tactile feedback technology to create more advanced and user-friendly prosthetics, driving innovation in the field of rehabilitation. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [AI-Powered Prosthetic Arms](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/smart-prosthetic-arm.md) - [Smart Bionic Hands](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/smart-bionic-hand.md) - [Mind-Controlled Artificial Arms](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ai-prosthetic-arm.md) - [Wearable Robotic Medical Technology](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/als-medical-technology.md) - [Upper-Limb Wearable Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sleev-1.md) - [AI-Driven Robot Gloves](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/robotic-glove-1.md) - [Cutting-Edge Medical Exoskeletons](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/medical-exoskeleton.md) - [Multi-Channel Wristband Prototypes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wristband-prototype.md) - [Stroke Recovery Wearable Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/smart-earpiece.md)