A Totally Modular Arm Prosthesis

Abstract

While some groups and centres have attempted to promote greater levels of sophistication in exo-prosthetics it is only in the past couple of year s that the ideas of computer control to be applied in prostheses has received a more widespread acceptance. It is probable that those at the clinical end have only recently become aware of the potentials within the electronics field. Now there are some systems that do incorporate some technology into their products. The latest trainer from Otto Bock is an example of the capabilities of such systems. The VASI systems with their reconfigurable set up has begun to show the extent to which the technology can progress. The TOMPAW project also aims explore this area more fully. TOMPAW stands for TOtally Modular Prosthetic Arm with high Workability. It is an EU project under the TIDE initiative (DE4210). The projects target is to produce a fully modular and functional prosthetic arm system that will enable the users and the clinical teams to customise the device to the user with the minimum of effort and time.