title: Force Myography to Control Robotic Upper Extremity Prostheses: A Feasibility Study.
abstract: Advancement in assistive technology has led to the commercial availability of multi-dexterous robotic prostheses for the upper extremity. The relatively low performance of the currently used techniques to detect the intention of the user to control such advanced robotic prostheses, however, limits their use. This article explores the use of force myography (FMG) as a potential alternative to the well-established surface electromyography. Specifically, the use of FMG to control different grips of a commercially available robotic hand, Bebionic3, is investigated. Four male transradially amputated subjects participated in the study, and a protocol was developed to assess the prediction accuracy of 11 grips. Different combinations of grips were examined, ranging from 6 up to 11 grips. The results indicate that it is possible to classify six primary grips important in activities of daily living using FMG with an accuracy of above 70% in the residual limb. Additional strategies to increase classification accuracy, such as using the available modes on the Bebionic3, allowed results to improve up to 88.83 and 89.00% for opposed thumb and non-opposed thumb modes, respectively.
authors.affiliation: MENRVA Research Group, School of Engineering Science, Simon Fraser University , Burnaby, BC , Canada.
authors.forename: Erina
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Cho
authors.affiliation: MENRVA Research Group, School of Engineering Science, Simon Fraser University , Burnaby, BC , Canada.
authors.forename: Richard
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Chen
authors.affiliation: MENRVA Research Group, School of Engineering Science, Simon Fraser University , Burnaby, BC , Canada.
authors.forename: Lukas-Karim
authors.initials: LK
authors.lastname: Merhi
authors.affiliation: MENRVA Research Group, School of Engineering Science, Simon Fraser University , Burnaby, BC , Canada.
authors.forename: Zhen
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Xiao
authors.affiliation: Barber Prosthetics Clinic , Vancouver, BC , Canada.
authors.forename: Brittany
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Pousett
authors.affiliation: MENRVA Research Group, School of Engineering Science, Simon Fraser University , Burnaby, BC , Canada.
authors.forename: Carlo
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Menon
keywords: classification; force myography; force sensing resistors; grip; residual limb; transradial amputee