3. Intelligent control of prostheses

If a microprocessor is given information concerning the shape, orientation and stability of the held object within the grasp of a prosthesis, the processor can control more of the functions of the hand itself. The operator gives simple commands and the controller co-ordinates multiple degrees of freedom to shape the hand to maximise the contact area between the hand and the object and so minimise contact forces. If the object slips this is detected and the controller responds. This frees the user to make only the strategic decisions while the functional range is increased.

The concepts outlined have been realised in the first clinically practical version of the philosophy that is referred to as the Southampton Adaptive Manipulation Scheme (SAMS) [5, 6]. The aim of the project is to produce hands that are sufficiently light and compact that they can be used for an extended user trial in Oxfordshire.