Nathan Copeland is the first paralyzed person in the world to regain an “almost natural” feeling in his fingers.
His brain was implanted with four electronic chips connected to a robotic arm, bypassing his damaged spine. The implants stimulated the parts of his brain that are associated with the part that control sensation and he is able to feel “as if someone’s squeezing” when the robotic arm was touched.
This is a major step in the development of prosthetics that can not only move and manipulate objects, but also gain a sense of feeling. That will help people with paralysis or amputated limbs get closer to regaining the sensation of having a hand — once again.
