An haptic feedback device

The device comprises two parts: instrumented fingertips able to detect contact events of the prosthesis with objects and an arm cuff containing miniature vibrators (similar to those used in mobile phones) which are activated when the contact event is detected

Application and market size

The first device implementation was designed to be fitted on hand prostheses or donned by subjects having impaired sensory system. The device can also be designed to be fitted to lower limb and partial hand prostheses.

Within the EU 2000 new amputations occur every year. Additionally, the “Acute care and primary rehabilitation 2007 report” ( http://www.escif.org/files/documents/members_downloads/infoproject.pdf ) from the European Spinal Cord Injury Federation (ESCIF) reports that more than 200000 patients suffer for spinal cord injuries today in Europe, and 7500 new injuries per year are recorded. Such data demonstrates that the increasing number of people suffering for sensory loss is increasing, requiring devices that would be able to restore the sensory function. In particular, the DESC-glove would allow to solve such issue by providing the patients with an intuitive and unobtrusive stimulation.