Upper Limb Terminal Device with Force and Position Feedback

Abstract

Current myoelectric prostheses lack the ability to provide sensory feedback, forcing amputees to rely solely on visual feedback. We have developed a prosthetic terminal device capable of relaying grip force back to the touch (haptic) receptors on the amputee’s residual limb. Our device is elemental to an experimental apparatus to test hypotheses in the value of haptic feedback. Our terminal device interfaces with the amputee’s residual limb and will be activated by electromyographic (EMG) signals. The prototype will be used in experimentation to test an amputee’s ability to distinguish object stiffness using haptic cues, in the absence of visual and auditory cues.