University's invention could improve motor skills

An invention from students at the University of Utah may be able to help surgeons, artists, and people with conditions like cerebral palsy.

"We all do precision things with our fingertips at some point, whether it's signing our name or we're going through and painting or doing some fine precision task," said William Provancher, PhD.

For those who struggle with movements like that, a motorized active handrest can help.

It allows people to draw precisely, compared to the best freehand efforts.

The active handrest can also be set up to follow the stylus of whatever tools the user is holding.

"It's the interface that minimizes force, optimizes precision, and reduces fatigue, and that reduction in fatigue also increases efficiency," said ergonomist Don Bloswick, PhD.

Right now, it only works moving side to side, but plans are in the works for a 3-D prototype.

The active handrest could be on the market in the next year or two.