Amy Orsborn with Robert F. Kirsch (Biomedical Engineering)

Simulation of an Above Elbow Myoelectric Prosthetic Arm – Simulation of an Above-Elbow Myoelectric Prosthetic Arm for Development of an Implanted Myoelectic Control System

Current myoelectric prosthetic arms utilize surface electrodes to obtain input control signals. Surface electrodes, however, limit the available muscles, restricting the prosthetic’s ability to recreate natural motion. Implantable electrodes are one proposed method of overcoming these limitations of surface electrodes. To investigate the feasibility of implanted electrodes for myoelectric arm control, simulations of both the prosthetic and residual arm are necessary. In this project, a model the mechanical properties (mass distribution, joints, and motor properties) of a commercial above-elbow myoelectric prosthetic will be developed. Simulations with this model will be used to generate myoelectrically-controlled movements of the prosthesis that will be combined (via a separate project) with measurements of the residual limb movements to generate the overall motion of the real and prosthetic arm system. This simulator can then be used to evaluate different myoelectric control schemes in human subjects (able-bodied and amputees) without implementation of a physical prosthesis. This approach could also be used as a training regimen for amputees prior to receiving their prosthesis.