Jacob Segil
Research Professor • Biomedical, Robotics and Systems Design • Managing Director, Center for Translational Research
jacob.segil@colorado.edu

Office Location: ECES 152
Lab Location: ECSL 1B19

Research Interests

Human-Machine Interface, Neural Engineering, Prosthetic Limb Design, Embodiment, Entrepreneurship

My research mission is to enable the embodiment of artificial devices by providing physiologically appropriate somatosensory feedback. Using neural interfaces, biomechatronic devices and machine learning, I plan to blur the lines between human and machine by eliciting perceptions of our natural body using artificial devices. Our field is uniquely positioned to be leaders in this swell of demand and interest in the embodiment of the artificial. I plan to support these efforts through the Artificial Limb Laboratory (ALL). The ALL will focus on three main efforts: 

  1. Implementation of neural interfaces to promote embodiment of devices into the body schema.
  2. Investigation into the embodiment of devices using psychophysical experimental methods.
  3. Device development of translational biomechatronic devices, prosthetic components, and machine learning algorithms.

Societal Impact

I create artificial limbs that blur the lines between human and machine by plugging into the nervous system.

Select Publications

J. L. Segil, I. Cuberovic, E. L. Graczyk, R. F. ff Weir, and D. Tyler, “Combination of Simultaneous Artificial Sensory Percepts to Identify Prosthetic Hand Postures: A Case Study,” Scientific Reports, vol. 10, no. 1, pp. 1–15, Apr. 2020, doi: 10.1038/s41598-020-62970-4.

Resnik, Linda J., Mathew L. Borgia, Melissa A. Clark, Emily Graczyk, J.L. Segil, and Pengsheng Ni. "Structural validity and reliability of the patient experience measure: A new approach to assessing psychosocial experience of upper limb prosthesis users." PloS one 16, no. 12 (2021): e0261865.

 J. L. Segil, B. Pulver, S. Huddle, R. F. ff Weir, and L. Sliker, “The Point Digit II: Mechanical Design and Testing of a Ratcheting Prosthetic Finger,” Military Medicine, vol. 186, no. Supplement_1, pp. 674–680, Jan. 2021

Y. Zachary, N. Kellaris, C. Chase-Markopoulou, D. Ricken, S. K. Mitchell, M. B. Emmett, R. F. ff Weir, J. L. Segil, and Christoph Keplinger. “Design of a High-Speed Prosthetic Finger Driven by Peano-HASEL Actuators.” Frontiers in Robotics and AI 7 (2020). doi: 10.3389/frobt.2020.586216

J. L. Segil, Handbook of Biomechatronics, 605 pages, 1st ed. Elsevier, 2018. (lead editor)

Select Awards

VA Career Development Award

Rehabilitation Research and Development (5 years, $1.2m)