The fingers are plastic, with wires and adhesive on all sides. Yet they offer Igor Spetic human sensation.

He can grasp a cherry tomato without crushing it. Slice a hard-boiled egg without squashing it. And pluck a blooming flower without losing a petal.

Biomedical engineering associate professor Dustin Tyler’s technology combines sensors and electrodes with Spetic’s own nerves. Now that he is using the device at home, Spetic and Tyler want to bring breakthrough to others—including veterans.

“We owe it to them,” Spetic says, “to give something back.”

Learn About His Work