A postdoctoral student at Chalmers University of Technology in Sweden has developed a better interface for thought-controlled prostheses. His technique involves directly implanting electrodes into the nerves and muscles left at the site of ampuation, rather than trying ot pick up the signals externally, bypassing most of the problems associated with external electrodes, and hopefully improving the sensory feedback capabilities of the prosthesis to the body. Using the Osseointegrated Prosthesis for the Rehabilitation of Amputees (OPRA) method of anchoring the prosthesis to the bone, the electrodes and titanium implants will be installed during surgery, allowing for bidirectional communication between the limb and the prosthesis and back. The prosthesis they have developed also has every finger independently motorized, allowing each finger individual movement and control. The first surgeries were scheduled to take place in January or February 2013.
http://www.chalmers.se/en/news/Pages/Thought-controlled-prosthesis-is-changing-the-lives-of-amputees.aspx
http://www.wired.com/wiredscience/2012/11/mind-controlled-robotic-arm/
http://www.sahlgrenskaic.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Treatment-Sucess-digital-version.pdf
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