Researchers at Tokyo University in cooperation with Sony have developed the prototype for a device capable of moving the fingers via electro-muscular control. Known as the PossessedHand, the device uses an Arduino to control 28 wrist-attached electrode pads which painlessly stimulate hand muscles to accomplish regular movements. This initiative holds potential not just for musical instruction, but also in the bio-medical field to assist stroke patients and others with neuromuscular impairment.
Via PopSci.
Hah – I have a repaired rotator cuff – sometimes if I overexert the shoulder/arm, I will pinch some of the nerves, producing twitching in the pinkie/ring fingers of that hand. I agree it can be a little uncanny to have them move independently. I would however try the “Possessed Hand” to facilitate learning to play a stringed instrument.