An adaptive control system for a complete hand/arm prosthesis.

Abstract

A complete hand/arm prosthesis is proposed in which the user has only supervisory control, the details of grip force, joint angles etc. being controlled automatically. By such a system it is possible in principle to control an eleven-degree of freedom prosthesis (four in the hand and seven in the arm) with only four inputs being provided by the patient. Thus increasing the flexibility of the system without putting too much strain on the patient.