Design and Evaluation of a Low-Cost Force Feedback System for Myoelectric Prosthetic Hands

2006 ◽  
Vol 18 (2) ◽  
pp. 57-61 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christian Pylatiuk ◽  
Artem Kargov ◽  
Stefan Schulz
2019 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 207-210
Author(s):  
Tolgay Kara ◽  
Ahmad Soliman Masri

AbstractMillions of people around the world have lost their upper limbs mainly due to accidents and wars. Recently in the Middle East, the demand for prosthetic limbs has increased dramatically due to ongoing wars in the region. Commercially available prosthetic limbs are expensive while the most economical method available for controlling prosthetic limbs is the Electromyography (EMG). Researchers on EMG-controlled prosthetic limbs are facing several challenges, which include efficiency problems in terms of functionality especially in prosthetic hands. A major issue that needs to be solved is the fact that currently available low-cost EMG-controlled prosthetic hands cannot enable the user to grasp various types of objects in various shapes, and cannot provide the efficient use of the object by deciding the necessary hand gesture. In this paper, a computer vision-based mechanism is proposed with the purpose of detecting and recognizing objects and applying optimal hand gesture through visual feedback. The objects are classified into groups and the optimal hand gesture to grasp and use the targeted object that is most efficient for the user is implemented. A simulation model of the human hand kinematics is developed for simulation tests to reveal the efficacy of the proposed method. 80 different types of objects are detected, recognized, and classified for simulation tests, which can be realized by using two electrodes supplying the input to perform the action. Simulation results reveal the performance of proposed EMG-controlled prosthetic hand in maintaining optimal hand gestures in computer environment. Results are promising to help disabled people handle and use objects more efficiently without higher costs.


Machines ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 47 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luca Salvati ◽  
Matteo d’Amore ◽  
Anita Fiorentino ◽  
Arcangelo Pellegrino ◽  
Pasquale Sena ◽  
...  

In recent years, driving simulators have been widely used by automotive manufacturers and researchers in human-in-the-loop experiments, because they can reduce time and prototyping costs, and provide unlimited parametrization, more safety, and higher repeatability. Simulators play an important role in studies about driver behavior in operating conditions or with unstable vehicles. The aim of the research is to study the effects that the force feedback (f.f.b.), provided to steering wheel by a lane-keeping-assist (LKA) system, has on a driver’s response in simulators. The steering’s force feedback system is tested by reproducing the conditions of criticality of the LKA system in order to minimize the distance required to recover the driving stability as a function of set f.f.b. intensity and speed. The results, obtained in three specific criticality conditions, show that the behaviour of the LKA system, reproduced in the simulator, is not immediately understood by the driver and, sometimes, it is in opposition with the interventions performed by the driver to ensure driving safety. The results also compare the performance of the subjects, either overall and classified into subgroups, with reference to the perception of the LKA system, evaluated by means of a questionnaire. The proposed experimental methodology is to be regarded as a contribution for the integration of acceptance tests in the evaluation of automation systems.


2014 ◽  
Vol 607 ◽  
pp. 791-794 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wei Kang Tey ◽  
Che Fai Yeong ◽  
Yip Loon Seow ◽  
Eileen Lee Ming Su ◽  
Swee Ho Tang

Omnidirectional mobile robot has gained popularity among researchers. However, omnidirectional mobile robot is rarely been applied in industry field especially in the factory which is relatively more dynamic than normal research setting condition. Hence, it is very important to have a stable yet reliable feedback system to allow a more efficient and better performance controller on the robot. In order to ensure the reliability of the robot, many of the researchers use high cost solution in the feedback of the robot. For example, there are researchers use global camera as feedback. This solution has increases the cost of the robot setup fee to a relatively high amount. The setup system is also hard to modify and lack of flexibility. In this paper, a novel sensor fusion technique is proposed and the result is discussed.


1995 ◽  
Vol 73 (6) ◽  
pp. 2578-2583 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. A. Pratt

1. The functional organization of heterogenic reflexes produced by activation of extensor force receptors (Golgi tendon organs) was studied in intact cats during stationary stance. Intramuscular stimulation (200 Hz, 20 ms) of hindlimb extensor muscles via chronically implanted electrodes was used to evoke weak muscle contractions and naturally activate Golgi tendon organ Ib afferents while cats stood unrestrained with each paw on a moveable triaxial force plate. 2. Intramuscular stimulation of every hindlimb extensor muscle tested in this study evoked excitatory responses that were widely distributed among hindlimb extensor muscles. Source and target specializations in the functional organization of this positive force feedback system were also observed. For example, stimulation of ankle extensors typically excited extensors and flexors at the ankle and hip (but not knee), whereas stimulation of hip extensors typically excited only extensors at all three joints. In addition, intramuscular stimulation of either lateral (LG) or medial (MG) gastrocnemius consistently inhibited soleus while exciting other extensors at the ankle and more proximal joints. 3. The electromyographic (EMG) reflex responses described above are attributed to the natural (via muscle contraction) activation of extensor group Ib afferents. Direct activation of intramuscular afferents by the stimulus was unlikely because there was no evidence that Ia afferents, which have the lowest electrical thresholds, were activated. Both the observed inhibition of the synergist, soleus, and the excitation of the antagonist, tibialis anterior, produced by gastrocnemius stimulation are opposite to the reflex effects that would be produced at the ankle by activation of gastrocnemius Ia afferents.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)


Sensors ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (23) ◽  
pp. 5157
Author(s):  
Hiroki Yokota ◽  
Takeshi Yoneyama ◽  
Tetsuyou Watanabe ◽  
Yasuo Sasagawa ◽  
Mitsutoshi Nakada

Avoiding unnecessary bleeding during neuroendoscopic surgeries is crucial because achieving hemostasis in a narrow operating space is challenging. However, when the location of a blood vessel in a tumor cannot be visually confirmed, unintentional damage to the vessel and subsequent bleeding may occur. This study proposes a method for tumor blood vessel detection using a master–slave surgical robot system equipped with a force sensor in the slave gripper. Using this method, blood pulsation inside a tumor was detected, displayed as a gripping force wave, via the slave force sensor. The characteristics of gripping force due to blood pulsation were extracted by measuring the fluctuation of the force in real time. The presence or absence of blood vessels was determined on the basis of cross-correlation coefficients between the gripping force fluctuation waveform due to blood pulsation and model fluctuation waveform. Experimental validation using two types of simulated tumors (soft: E = 6 kPa; hard: E = 38 kPa) and a simulated blood vessel (E = 1.9 MPa, radius = 0.5 mm, thickness = 0.1 mm) revealed that the presence of blood vessels could be detected while gripping at a constant angle and during transient gripping.


Actuators ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 19 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bao Tri Diep ◽  
Ngoc Diep Nguyen ◽  
Thanh T. Tran ◽  
Quoc Hung Nguyen

This research focuses on the development of a new 3-DOF (Degree of Freedom) force feedback system featuring a spherical arm mechanism and three magnetorheological (MR) brakes, namely two rotary MR brakes and one linear MR brake. The first rotary MR brake is integrated in the waist joint to reflect the horizontal tangent force, the other rotary MR brake is integrated in the shoulder joint to reflect the elevation tangent force, while the linear MR brake is integrated in the sliding joint of the arm to reflect the radial force (approach force). The proposed configuration can reflect a desired force to the operator at the end-effectors of the arm independently in 3 DOFs by controlling the current applied to the coils of the MR brakes. After the introduction, the configuration of the proposed force feedback system is presented. Afterward, the design and conducted simulation of the MR brakes for the systems are provided. The prototype of the force feedback system, which was manufactured for the experiment, is then presented as well as some of the obtained experimental results. Finally, the proposed control system is presented and its implementation to provide a desired feedback force to the operator is provided.


Sensor Review ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 36 (2) ◽  
pp. 158-168 ◽  
Author(s):  
Drew van der Riet ◽  
Riaan Stopforth ◽  
Glen Bright ◽  
Olaf Diegel

Purpose This paper aims to explore the electronic design of the Touch Hand: a low-cost electrically powered prosthetic hand. The hand is equipped with an array of sensors allowing for position control and haptic sensation. Pressure sensors are used on the fingertips to detect grip force. A temperature sensor placed in the fingertip is used to measure the contact temperature of objects. Investigations are made into the use of cantilever vibration sensors to detect surface texture and object slippage. The hand is capable of performing a lateral grip of 3.7 N, a power grip of 19.5 N and to passively hold a weight of up to 8 kg with a hook grip. The hand is also tested on an amputee and used to perform basic tasks. The amputee took 30 min to learn how to operate the hands basic gripping functions. Design/methodology/approach Problems of previous prosthetic hands were investigated, followed by ways to improve or have similar capabilities, yet keeping in mind to reduce the price. The hand was then designed, simulated, developed and then tested. The hand was then displayed to public and tested with an amputee. Findings The Touch Hand’s capabilities with the usage of the low-cost materials, components and sensory system was obtained in the tests that were conducted. The results are shown in this paper to identify the appropriateness of the sensors for a usage while the costs are reduced. Furthermore, models were developed from the results obtained to take into account factors such as the non-slip material. Research limitations/implications The research was restricted to a US$1,000 budget to allow the availability of a low-cost prosthetic hand. Practical implications The Touch Hand had to have the ability to supply the amputee with haptic feedback while allowing the basic grasping of objects. The commercial value is the availability of an affordable prosthetic hand that can be used by amputees in Africa and other Lower-Income countries, yet allowing a more advanced control system compared to the pure mechanical systems currently available. Social implications The Touch Hand has the ability to give amputees affected in war situations the ability to grasp objects in a more affordable manner compared to the current available options. Feedback from amputees about the current features of the Touch Hand was very positive and it proves to be a way to improve society in Lower-Income countries in the near future. A sponsorship program is being developed to assist amputees with the costs of the Touch Hand. Originality/value The contributions of this research is a low-cost prototype system than can be commercialized to allow amputees in the Lower-Income countries to have the ability of a prosthetic hand. A sensory system in the hand is also explained which other low-cost prosthetic hands do not have, which includes temperature, force and vibration. Models of the sensors used that are developed and calibrated to the design of the hand are also described.


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