Tactile Feedback Experiments for Forearm Prosthesis with Myoelectric Control

摘要

Recent developments and results of biomedical engineering and technology offer to the specialists a reasonable hope that the realization of artificial arms with complex performances and almost identical behavior with the amputated hands will be soon possible. The research presented in this paper is oriented in this direction. The paper presents the functional scheme and the experimental implementation of an artificial hand with sensorial interface. The main novelty of the research described here is the introduction of the matrix of sensors and actuators, that is implemented on the myolectric prosthesis. This architecture offers a sensorial feedback to the patient, when handling various objects. Implementation of tactile feedback on the myoelectric prosthesis restore significant capabilities in the case of the persons with forearm amputation that use this type of artificial hand. The patients that tested the prosthesis were able to perform complex movements; various experiments confirmed that the feedback mechanisms helped them to develop a cerebral automatism for usual movements and to respond in real time to various external stimuli.