The following is the first part of a series on brain-machine integration and biomechanical solutions to restore function to tissues damaged by disease, trauma, or time.

Researchers have developed haptic technology over the past several years to recreate touch sensation by applying forces to a user. Haptics have been implemented in virtual reality, telerobotics, computer simulations, and more.

Recent advances in artificial skin technology may take haptic technology to a new level, enabling those with prosthetic limbs to feel touch sensation once again. The skin is the largest organ in the body. It protects our more vulnerable organs from pathogens, debris, radiation, and other harm. Its other role, however, is far more complicated.

Touch sensation results from a network of neutrons embedded in the skin that relay signals from the outermost points of our body to our central nervous system. When you touch the phone, tablet, or computer in front of you, the feeling of touch is a series of electrical signals sent to the brain. When this connection is severed, such as in spinal injuries or loss of a limb, touch sensation is lost.