Wearable Haptic Device for Individuals with Congenital Absence of Proprioception

TL;DR

This paper introduces a wearable haptic device designed to substitute proprioceptive feedback for individuals with PIEZO2-LOF, aiming to improve their movement and manipulation abilities through tactile stimulation.

Contribution

The study presents a novel wearable prototype that translates elbow movements into haptic feedback, addressing the lack of existing assistive technologies for PIEZO2-LOF individuals.

Findings

Prototype applies up to 18 N force

Includes embedded force sensor for feedback accuracy

Programmable for various joint angle mappings

Abstract

A rare genetic condition, PIEZO2 loss of function (LOF) is characterized by absence of proprioception and light touch, which makes functional tasks (e.g., walking, manipulation) difficult. There are no pharmacological treatments or assistive technologies available for individuals with PIEZO2-LOF. We propose a sensory substitution device that communicates proprioceptive feedback via detectable haptic stimuli. We created a wearable prototype that maps measurements of elbow movement to deep pressure applied to the forearm. The prototype applies up to 18 N, includes an embedded force sensor, and is programmable to allow for various angle-to-pressure mappings. Future work includes comparing proprioceptive acuity and movement ability with and without the device in healthy and PIEZO2-LOF individuals, developing low-profile devices using soft robotics, providing sensory substitution for multiple joints simultaneously, and encoding additional aspects of joint dynamics.