Researchers build a better bionic hand

Researchers at Simon Fraser University are working with paralympic skier Danny Letain to design a new control system for one of the world’s most advanced bionic hands, promising a more intuitive experience for upper limb amputees.

Letain, a former locomotive engineer, lost his left arm below the elbow 35 years ago. He has since used a body-powered prosthesis with a pincer-like split hook that uses a series of straps to mechanically maneuver the artificial limb.



“The hook is durable and quick to respond, but controlling it with straps is not natural,” says Letain. Yet with the SFU team’s new control system, Letain already has a variety of different grip patterns that he says work “well beyond” what he could achieve with prosthetic devices.

Letain adds: “With this new system, it feels like I’m opening and closing my hand. The most exciting moment for me was feeling my left index finger and the little finger for the first time since my accident. With the hook you don’t use those muscles at all. This system puts my mind to work in a whole new way.”

The technology was developed in engineering science professor Carlo Menon’s biomedical engineering lab initially to rehabilitate stroke patients. He immediately saw the potential for wider applications, however, including for amputees.

Menon says there is a high rejection rate among those with existing robotic prostheses because they are not intuitive.

“The problem is in the control systems, which have not significantly advanced in 50 years,” he says. “As a result, the robotic prostheses are not very useful for performing everyday tasks, and only about a quarter of amputees use them.”

The SFU team, known as M.A.S.S. Impact (Muscle Activity Sensor Strip), is applying its technology to a robotic arm on loan from Steeper Prosthetics, a company in Leeds, England. The SFU team has been working with Letain and staff at Vancouver’s Barber Prosthetics since June 2015.

The new system consists of an armband of pressure sensors embedded in the prosthetic socket. These track movements in Letain’s remaining muscles as he performs intuitive actions, such as grasping a bottle. Computer algorithms then map the sensor data to decode his intentions and move the prosthesis.

Full story can be found from Simon Fraser University website.

Bioness launched new therapy system

Bioness announced the second generation release of the Bioness Integrated Therapy System (BITS).

BITS is a multi-disciplinary, software-based therapy solution designed to motivate patients and improve clinician efficiency. BITS’ interactive touchscreen and diverse program options challenge patients to improve performance through the use of visual motor activities, visual and auditory processing, cognitive skills, and endurance training. Standardized assessments and progress reports make documenting outcomes quick and easy. BITS integrates software and hardware with an interactive touchscreen display (48” or 55”), portable wheelchair accessible stand, and a conveniently mounted mini PC with the BITS software application, including five therapy categories, 24 unique programs and four standardized assessments.

BITS 2.0 is designed to address the changing dynamics of the rehabilitation market by improving clinician efficiency with automated progress reports, personalized therapy programs and standardized outcome measures. The new BITS Reports Module calculates key performance metrics and makes generating insightful progress reports easier than ever before. An expanded range of multi-disciplinary programs ensures high clinical utility for Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Speech Language Pathology as well as Athletic Training. Additionally, BITS makes it easy to establish a level of therapeutic challenge that is ‘just right’ for each individual, making it appropriate for a broad range of clients who present with unique clinical presentations.



“BITS 2.0 is a pioneering platform as it is the first product to deliver rehabilitative programs that simultaneously address the clinical goals of occupational, physical and speech therapy,” said Todd Cushman, Bioness President & CEO. “By developing this entirely new software architecture, we built a robust platform to integrate the entire Bioness product portfolio which will deliver on our promise to improve clinician efficiency and patient outcomes.”

Bioness has been the industry leader supporting the efforts of skilled acute and outpatient practices for more than a decade. As a sign of that leadership position, all existing customers who acquired the first generation of BITS will be upgraded complimentary to the new platform.

“We are committed to rehabilitation and enthusiastic to make BITS 2.0 available to all of the healthcare professionals who work tirelessly to restore function and independence to those impacted by physical and cognitive impairments,” concluded Mr. Cushman.

Product information can be found from Bioness website by following this link.