Innovative Solution for Amputees
Two Ukrainian teenage brothers, Mykola (17) and Mykhailo (13) Draliuk, have created a groundbreaking system designed to partially restore the sense of touch for individuals with amputated limbs. Their device combines a sensor-equipped glove with a module containing vibration motors, working in tandem to replicate tactile sensations. Presented at NASA's Space Center in Houston as part of the 'Innovative Sensory Communication System' project, the brothers became one of six finalists out of over three thousand participants, showcasing their work on an international stage.
How the Technology Works and Who Supports It
The system uses sensors to detect pressure levels and create a contact map, which is then transmitted to the prosthetic via vibration motors that mimic the feeling of pressure.
“The harder we squeeze, the more the motors move and reproduce that pressure,” Mykola Draliuk explained.He added that users “don’t know if they’re holding an object, how tightly, or if it’s about to slip.” This marks a significant advancement in technology aimed at improving the quality of life for amputees.
Mykola currently studies in the United States, while Mykhailo moved to Poland after the outbreak of the full-scale war.
“Mykola taught me over the phone how to solder and install components on circuit boards. I became very interested in prosthetics because there’s a huge need for them, especially in Ukraine,” Mykhailo shared.The brothers’ invention has received support from the Prosthetics and Rehabilitation Training and Innovation Center at the Kyiv Polytechnic Institute. War veteran Volodymyr Mysko, who lost his right arm after being wounded near Vuhledar, served as a project consultant. “The concept is excellent and innovative,” he noted.
The device is in its final development stage, with production costs under three thousand hryvnias. “Our dream is for the whole world to hear about our device and for it to be sold alongside prosthetics,” Mykola Draliuk added. In March, the first humanoid robots, Phantom MK-1, developed by the American company Foundation, were also delivered to Ukraine. Company co-founder Mike Leblanc expressed support for innovations that can assist people with disabilities.
This project not only highlights the ingenuity of young Ukrainians but also holds the potential to significantly impact the lives of many amputees, as the sense of touch is crucial for everyday activities. Innovations in prosthetics are becoming increasingly relevant, especially as the demand for such solutions rises due to the war. Initiatives like this can drive the development of technologies that help people adapt to new life circumstances.