Myoelectric Controlled Prosthetic Hand with Continuous Force-Feedback Mechanism

In this paper, we propose a novel method to support learning of grasping behavior with a myoelectric hand through the use of force-feedback. A force transfer mechanism is implemented in the developed prosthetic hand, which creates a force stimulus that is synchronized with opening and closing of the gripper. For a person with congenital forearm defects, learning how to operate a myoelectric prosthetic hand is quite difficult. The force-feedback is presented at the end of the forearm of the affected side to assist the process of creating a body image. Several experiments were conducted to confirm the ability to generate real-time feedback with the developed hand. An extensive study was carried out on a subject with a congenital forearm defect, and the ability to perceive the stimulus of pressing force applied at the end of the forearm of the affected side was confirmed.