A research team led by Domenico Prattichizzo from the University of Siena has achieved a milestone in developing a movable, extra robotic limb capable of manipulating objects and transmitting a sense of touch—all without the need for fixed implants. The new results from the European project Haria were presented at Automatica.it 2025 in Perugia, demonstrating how a patient with a paralyzed arm successfully poured water into a glass using the artificial limb.
“Humans possess various forms of intelligence, one of which is sensorimotor intelligence—the ability to manipulate objects with great precision. This is perhaps the key characteristic that has enabled the greatest progress for our species,” Prattichizzo told ANSA. Building on this concept, the Siena-based researchers are using robotics and Artificial Intelligence to extend human capabilities through extra limbs, an approach termed human-robotic empowerment. The first step is enabling patients who have suffered strokes or accidents to control a robotic arm.
The Haria project, which also involves the Italian Institute of Technology, has now allowed a patient in a Spanish hospital to control a robot through residual movement in their paralyzed arm. A series of mobile sensors capture signals from the affected arm and also transmit tactile feedback from sensors on the robot.
This simple, non-surgical solution enabled the individual to pour a drink independently. “The idea behind our work is to allow people with disabilities to regain a sense of autonomy, at least in some tasks. This is also crucial from a psychological perspective,” added Maria Pozzi of the University of Siena, who presented Haria’s results. This achievement is a significant step toward a longer-term vision of equipping humanity with new capabilities, opening fresh possibilities for growth through the control of wearable extra limbs.
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