Experience With The Intelligent Hybrid Arm Systems

Abstract

Microprocessors are increasingly used in prosthetic applications. The flexibility they provide allows new functions to be added easily, and fitting and maintenance can be simplified [1,2,3]. Prosthetic controllers are available that can be adapted to different needs through field programming, allowing the prosthetist to try different control strategies or even invent completely new ones. The process of setting up the prosthesis is made easier through the use of graphical software programming tools [4]. However, there remains a need for interoperability standards so that complete prostheses can be built up from modular components that are compatible in software terms as well as mechanically and electrically.