Researchers harness ultrasound technology to give amputees a better grip with their prosthetics.

Controlling today’s advanced prosthetic arms and hands can be very challenging. Often, today’s prosthetic systems can’t provide the type of control and functionality for day to day tasks.
National Science Foundation-funded engineers at George Mason University
have found a way to help people get a better grip with their prosthetics.-- By imaging muscle deformation from the remaining muscles in the arm the team is able to understand the subjects intended movements. The team uses powerful ultrasound technology to send sound waves deep into the body to sense this muscle activity. Their computer algorithms use these signals to learn to accurately differentiate between 15 distinct hand and wrist movements.

With this new method, test subjects are finding their grasp! The team is now working
to miniaturize the ultrasound system to be worn as a small band under the prosthetic shell. Providing users with the desired functionality is within their grasp.