Note: This text is a work in progress. If you find any inaccuracies or material that needs to be included, please contact us.
Background
The only type of mechatronic prosthesis commercially available today is the myoelectric prosthesis. Myoelectric protheses are controlled by tiny voltages generated on the surface of the skin by the activity of residual muscles (Surface Electromyelogram (EMG)). These voltages are amplified and processed so that when the user flexes a muscle, motors on the prosthesis move in a predictable way. A myoelectric prosthesis does away with the harness and cables of a body-powered device and can be made to look very natural, although at the cost of a more restrictive and less comfortable socket. Another downside to these devices is their lack of responsiveness; most hands move slowly to increase grip force or battery life at the expense of fast action. However, the major barrier to adoption for most people is money: an arm costs at least $30,000.
We are in the process of researching surface EMG to discover the factors that drive the price of the electronics. If you have expertise in the field, please contact us.
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