LUKE Arm Neuroprosthesis Enters New Phase with First Home-Use Clinical Trial
The University of Utah's groundbreaking LUKE Arm, a bionic upper arm and hand controlled by the user's thoughts, is entering a new phase of development. This neuroprosthesis, developed in collaboration with DEKA, is now ready for its first test outside the laboratory setting, thanks to a new contract with startup Biologic Input Output Systems (BIOS). This milestone allows for the recruitment of the next participant in the ongoing Investigational Device Exception Early Feasibility Study, who will be the first to use the LUKE Arm independently in daily activities.
A Leap Towards Commercialization
Jacob George, Utah NeuroRobotics Lab Director and assistant professor at the University of Utah, emphasized the significance of this phase: "This patient will be the first to take the LUKE Arm home and use it independently for their daily activities." The clinical trial, which has already enrolled eight participants, aims to transition advanced neuroprostheses like the LUKE Arm into commercial products. The technology has received a "Breakthrough Device Designation" from the FDA, highlighting its potential to revolutionize the field of neuroprosthetics.
Enhanced Capabilities and Real-World Applications
The latest iteration of the LUKE Arm features software and AI enhancements that provide more life-like sensation, increased dexterity, and more intuitive control. These improvements make unsupervised, everyday use feasible for the first time. The BIOS direct nerve interface, which enables thought-based control, can also integrate with other technologies, such as robots, virtual reality systems, and phones/computers, allowing users to control and feel from their devices with just their thoughts.
Clinical Trial Details
The ongoing clinical trial focuses on transradial amputees—individuals who have lost their arm below the elbow. Participants will have Utah Slanted Electrode Arrays (USEAs) and intramuscular electromyographic recording leads (iEMGs) implanted into their residual arm nerves and muscles. After preliminary tests in the lab, participants will take the device home for one year, potentially longer, to test its effectiveness in real-world scenarios.
A Vision for the Future
"We're replacing the lost function of the hand, and with extended use, we hope this technology can also restore the full range of physical and emotional experiences enabled by our hands," said George. This project builds on the pioneering work of Richard Normann and Florian Solzbacher, who have been instrumental in advancing neuroprosthetic technology.
For more information on the LUKE Arm research, contact Jacob A. George at jacob.george@utah.edu.
