Ground adaptive standing controller for a powered transfemoral prosthesis

The scope of this work is the design and verification of a new standing controller for a powered knee and ankle prosthesis. The controller is based upon a finite-state impedance control approach previously developed by the authors. The controller provides a comprehensive standing behavior that incorporates ground adaptation for unlevel terrain. An amputee subject tested the controller with a powered prosthesis for a variety of standing conditions. Results indicate that the powered prosthesis can estimate the ground slope within ±1 degree over a range of ±15 degrees, and that it can provide appropriate joint impedances for standing on slopes within this range.