London Researchers Create Device That Mimics Sense Of Touch Virtually

Whenever we leave home, thousands of miles away, we long to see our loved ones. The closest we get to interact with them live is through video calls. All that is about to change, thanks to this new device, which could possibly be a start of a new era. According to reports, the device can simulate a ‘natural’ or ‘real-life’ sensation of a human touch, which is being designed as a remedy for isolation. The loved ones, thousands of kilometres apart, now have the option of physical contact. The device is created by researchers at the University College London, called the BAMH (innovative bio-inspired haptic system). It stimulates the nerve cells which then respond to touch through vibrations. As per more reports, the device is currently being used to determine how patients with poor sensitivity in their fingertips end up losing their sense of touch over a period. The researchers added that it can be very helpful in healthcare as a diagnostic tool. According to them, this technology also has the potential to be utilised in robot-assisted surgeries. It could assist the doctors in evaluating the type of tissue they are dealing with, meaning, whether it is cancerous or not. It also includes conditions like metacarpal tunnel syndrome and diabetes; the former is a compression of a wrist nerve; while in the latter, loss of touch is a symptom.

Professor Helge Wurdemann, a researcher at the institution, who worked on the device detailed more on the breakthrough equipment. He stated in an interview with a foreign publication, “We believe that we have technology that will enable us to design the glove. We are considering joining multiple fingers together.”

Dr Sara Abad, another member of the research team from UCL, stated how physical touch is significant for bonding. She said, “Unfortunately, there is a barrier with video calls. For social bonding, which is important, you need touch, but video calls don’t.” She spoke further, “This technology provides a way to incorporate touch into our virtual social interactions.”