Master of Science

Abstract

thesisControl of a prosthetic device for amputees should be as natural as possible for optimal integration into daily use. A commonly used source of signal for the control of a prosthetic is the amputee's own electrical activity in muscles, known as electromyogram (EMG) readings. In order for these signals to be correctly interpreted to control the prosthetic, the intended effect of the signals must be understood. A device capable of applying forces and measuring the responses of a finger along a single axis was created with the purpose of gathering data about the mechanical behavior of the hand and relating it to the corresponding EMG signals. Using force and displacement sensors, each device can quantify the behavior of a fingertip. The device is designed such that multiple can be combined into an array for testing several fingers at once, which allows the gathering of complex force and motion data for an entire hand. Data gathered with this device are presented, in which the EMG data are used to predict force, and compared with the actual force. This initial comparison shows the device's ability to gather data which can improve understanding of the relation of EMG signals to complex motion of the fingers, which in turn will lead to a more natural control of prosthetic hands