DEKA Arm System: FDA Approves Prosthetic That Can Perform Complex Tasks Using Electrical Signals
Saturday, May 17, 2014 - 02:10
in Physics & Chemistry
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) today allowed marketing of the DEKA Arm System, the first prosthetic arm that can perform multiple, simultaneous powered movements controlled by electrical signals from electromyogram (EMG) electrodes. Deka calls it "Luke", after Luke Skywalker of "Star Wars" fame, and the project was funded by DARPA. EMG electrodes detect electrical activity caused by the contraction of muscles close to where the prosthesis is attached. The electrodes send the electrical signals to a computer processor in the prosthesis that translates them to a specific movement or movements. read more