Development of myoelectric hand that determines hand posture and estimates grip force simultaneously

The purpose of this study is to develop a myoelectric hand that determines hand posture and estimates grip force simultaneously like human hands. Methods for simultaneous hand posture determination and grip force estimation typically yield unsatisfying results because of the complex characteristics of electromyogram (EMG) signals. In this study, the authors developed a myoelectric hand that is able to control both force and posture using a method proposed in our previous study. Tests of the grasp ability of the myoelectric hand conducted with healthy men and an amputee showed that the proposed method can be used to control both grip force and hand posture simultaneously with sufficiently accuracy in a real environment. In conclusion, it was suggested that the hand that control posture and force simultaneously improve the dexterity of amputees.