Revolutionary Device Restores Thermal Sensation in Phantom Limbs
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) have developed a wearable thin-film thermoelectric cooler (TFTEC) that can help amputees perceive temperature with their phantom limbs. The TFTEC is lightweight, energy-efficient, and can provide intense cooling in less than a second. It has potential applications in prosthetics, augmented reality haptics, and thermally-modulated therapeutics. The device was tested on amputees and demonstrated faster and more intense cooling sensations compared to traditional thermoelectric technology. The technology also has potential industrial applications in cooling electronics and lasers, as well as energy harvesting in satellites.