title: Two multiarticulated hydraulic hand prostheses.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Consumers want new prosthetic hand designs that have increased functionality, better cosmetic appearance, and lower weight.
  
  
  METHODS
  New lightweight hands that fulfill these demands can be designed by integrating a hydraulic system with small fluidic actuators at the digit joints.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Two different designs of lightweight experimental prosthetic hand are presented. The weight of the first hand is reduced by 50% compared to a conventional prosthetic hand, whereas the functionality of the second hand is increased by additional prehension types. Optionally, a tactile feedback system can be integrated. Due to multiple articulated digits and flexible materials, both hands are able to conform to the shape of an object held. This significantly reduces the necessary grip force and results in stable holding of an object. For a natural appearance, the hands are covered with a cosmetic silicone rubber glove.
authors.affiliation: Institute for Applied Computer Sciences (IAI), Forschungszentrum Karlsruhe, Karlsruhe, Germany. pylatiuk@iai.fzk.de
authors.forename: Christian
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Pylatiuk
authors.forename: Stefan
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Schulz
authors.forename: Artem
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Kargov
authors.forename: Georg
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Bretthauer
mesh_terms: D001186:Artificial Limbs; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D017076:Computer-Aided Design; D004582:Electronics, Medical; D004954:Esthetics; D005246:Feedback; D006225:Hand; D018737:Hand Strength; D006801:Humans; D011474:Prosthesis Design; D012826:Silicone Elastomers; D014110:Touch
chemical_list: D012826:Silicone Elastomers