Simultaneous and proportional myoelectric control

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Proposal SummaryThe current software and hardware in myoelectric control for powered limb prostheses are limited to sequential and, typically, on/off function selection. This is due, in part, to the nature of the available prosthesis terminal devices in that they are limited in number of functions and dexterity. This is rapidly changing due to increasing numbers of amputees and demand for much improved dexterity. Multifunction prostheses with increased capability are becoming available, and are expected to make marked and rapid improvements. This change must be accompanied by the development of improved controllers to take advantage of the functionality. Myoelectric control has a major role to play in this regard and to this end our research has recently been directed to the development of myoelectric controllers for simultaneous and proportional control of multifunction prostheses. Considerable progress has been made, however there is a need to extend the results to allow dynamic muscle contractions on behalf of the prosthesis user, to decrease the number of electrodes required, to increase the control performance, and to reduce control performance degradation due to crosstalk between myoelectric channels. These improvements will make the prosthesis controller more user friendly, and the prosthesis easier to fabricate.