The technology that revives the lost sense, including the objects touched by fingertips and their temperature, has reached the threshold of real treatment beyond the laboratory. The neuroengineering technology that directly connects nerves and machines allows the brain to recognize a robotic hand as "my hand," fundamentally changing the very concept of prosthetic limbs.
On the 20th, at the Swiss-Korea Life Sciences Symposium held at the Westin Chosun Hotel in Seoul, Professor Silvestro Micera from the École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) noted, "Research on applying robotic prostheses that also revive the sense to actual patients is nearing completion," adding, "An era where technology becomes a part of the human body is approaching."
Professor Micera is a world-renowned authority in the field of neuroengineering, researching technology that restores human senses and motor functions with artificial devices. The goal is not just to move a robotic hand but to develop a "fully sensory prosthetic limb" that replicates touch, spatial awareness, and even temperature.
For the past 10 years, he has been implementing the sensation of objects touched by robotic fingers for individuals who lost their arms in accidents. For instance, a Danish man recognized the texture of a cup and fruit with a robotic hand after having his arm amputated below the elbow nine years ago. The sensation detected by sensors in the robotic fingers is converted into electrical signals by a computer and transmitted to the brain via nerves.
The key to commercializing robotic hands lies in naturally connecting the prosthetic limb to the actual nervous system, so the brain perceives the machine as if it were its own hand. To this end, Professor Micera, together with research teams led by Professor Thomas Stieglitz from the University of Freiburg in Germany, has designed electrodes that can be directly inserted into peripheral nerves and developed wearable devices that can transmit heat sensations.
Professor Micera plans to first apply a fully implantable system to patients as early as next year, stating, "Currently, it is being tested on a small number of patients, but the goal is to apply it to many patients with spinal cord injuries, strokes, and neurodegenerative diseases within the next 10 years."
However, there are many challenges to overcome before the technology can be commercialized. The technology that connects the human body and machines also entails ethical and social issues. Professor Micera mentioned, "Especially in the case of collecting brain signals, there can be issues surrounding data ownership and privacy," and said, "We also need to proactively prepare for cyber security issues like hacking."
In Europe, there is already a move to strengthen relevant ethical standards and personal data protection legislation. Professor Micera emphasized that as technology rapidly advances, more sophisticated regulations are needed. Furthermore, devices that connect directly to the nervous system should be designed to operate precisely for long periods while ensuring the user's safety.
Funding is also a concern. To demonstrate the technology's efficacy and safety and to obtain approval, clinical trials inevitably require enormous time and expense. Professor Micera noted, "To commercialize with U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval, at least $40 million to $50 million (approximately 55 billion to 68 billion won) in development funds is necessary," adding, "With an influx of venture capital becoming active recently, the possibility of commercialization is much higher than in the past."
Neuroengineering is a field where basic scientists, engineering researchers, medical doctors, and rehabilitation specialists collaborate. Professor Micera stated, "It is very important for young researchers to encounter diverse ideas and perspectives through international collaborative research," and underscored the need for Switzerland and Korea to continue human resource exchanges and joint research projects.
Previously, he conducted a stroke rehabilitation project utilizing wearable exoskeleton robots in collaboration with the Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) and also held workshops related to neuroengineering in Seoul. Professor Micera expressed hope for synergy with Korean researchers in areas such as artificial intelligence (AI)-based electronic circuits and new materials for artificial skin.
He remarked, "Lightweight and miniaturization of electronic devices essential for wearable equipment like robotic arms, as well as minimizing power consumption, are fields where Korea is globally leading," adding, "There are not many countries that can conduct development, integration with robotic arms, and clinical trials, but Korea is one of them."