Researchers in textile, electrical, computer and biomedical engineering at NC State found a textile sensor can detect pressure points on the socket of a prosthetic limb. The human experiments were led by BME Distinguished Professor Helen Huang. “Our broader vision is to design something like a sock, or to integrate the sensor system into the prosthetic socket, so when a person dons their prosthesis, they are able to monitor what’s happening in terms of pressure distribution and other measurements,” Huang said.
The lightweight, soft textile-based sensor prototype patch incorporates a lattice of conductive yarns and is connected to a tiny microcomputer, which has a radio for wireless data tracking. They tested the system on a prosthetic limb and in walking experiments with two human volunteers, finding the system could reliably track pressure changes in real time, which could help map problematic pressure points in the socket of an amputee’s prosthetic limb. To read the full article, go to WRAL TechWire website here.