Innovative Eye-Tracking Technology Assesses Smart Prosthetics' Comfort Level

Recent advancements in eye-tracking technology have enabled researchers to evaluate how amputees perceive smart prosthetics, determining whether these devices feel like an extension of their bodies. This research highlights the potential of using objective measures to assess user comfort and cognitive load, independent of subjective user feedback.

The study, conducted by a team of scientists from the Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology, in collaboration with the smart prosthetics manufacturer Motorika, introduces a novel system that monitors eye movements to gauge how often users focus on their prosthetic limbs. The findings suggest that when users receive electrical stimulation feedback from their prosthetics, their attention on the device decreases, indicating a more natural interaction akin to using a biological limb.

Researchers believe that this sensory feedback enhances the intuitive use of prosthetics, thereby improving the overall comfort and functionality for patients. Similar to how a healthy person can manipulate objects without constantly looking at their hand, the integration of feedback mechanisms in prosthetics aims to facilitate a comparable experience for amputees.

The study marks a significant phase in ongoing research into the sensorization of prosthetics, involving a four-month rehabilitation period for participants adjusting to invasive neuroprosthetics. The initial results have been shared in a paper accessible on ResearchGate and the OSF Preprints repository.

Smart prosthetics, equipped with various sensory feedback systems, allow users to perceive the objects they interact with and the position of their artificial limbs without visual confirmation. However, the effective application of this technology remains limited in real-world settings, necessitating further refinement and development.

Key improvements sought by researchers focus on the objective assessment of comfort, embodiment, and cognitive load experienced by users while performing daily tasks with these devices. The innovative eye-tracking system developed by the Skoltech team aims to provide more accurate data to aid in the enhancement of smart prosthetics.

According to the researchers, traditional methods of obtaining user feedback can be influenced by mood or specific circumstances that alter perceptions of device performance. The new system allows for the collection of objective data outside laboratory conditions, potentially leading to more reliable insights into user experiences.

The portable eye-tracking system includes glasses equipped with dual cameras to capture eye movements, a third camera for environmental tracking, and integrated sensors within the prosthetic. Advanced computer vision algorithms analyze videos to identify key elements such as the prosthetic hand, objects being manipulated, and target locations.

In practical experiments, participants engaged in tasks involving grasping and moving objects to designated areas while receiving targeted sensory feedback through electrical stimulation. This feedback created sensations in the phantom limb that correlated with the prosthetic hand's contact points, enhancing the user's experience and interaction with the device.

Over the course of the study, researchers collected approximately 250 hours of video data, allowing for comprehensive analysis of user behavior and device interaction. The feedback provided was tailored to individual participants based on earlier sessions, ensuring that the sensations produced aligned with their subjective experiences.

The ongoing development of invasive stimulation and advanced prosthetic restoration methods aims to increase users' independence and mobility while maintaining safety and comfort. Researchers emphasize the importance of collaboration between industrial partners and scientific institutions to drive these innovative projects forward, with the ultimate goal of improving the quality of life for amputees and addressing challenges such as phantom pain.

The newly developed eye-tracking system holds promise for gathering valuable data that can enhance the design and functionality of smart prosthetics, paving the way for future advancements in the field.