A Semiautonomous Control Strategy Based on Computer Vision for a Hand–Wrist Prosthesis

Alleviating the burden on amputees in terms of high-level control of their prosthetic devices is an open research challenge. EMG-based intention detection presents some limitations due to movement artifacts, fatigue, and stability. The integration of exteroceptive sensing can provide a valuable solu...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Gianmarco Cirelli, Christian Tamantini, Luigi Pietro Cordella, Francesca Cordella
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2023-11-01
Series:Robotics
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2218-6581/12/6/152
Description
Summary:Alleviating the burden on amputees in terms of high-level control of their prosthetic devices is an open research challenge. EMG-based intention detection presents some limitations due to movement artifacts, fatigue, and stability. The integration of exteroceptive sensing can provide a valuable solution to overcome such limitations. In this paper, a novel semiautonomous control system (SCS) for wrist–hand prostheses using a computer vision system (CVS) is proposed and validated. The SCS integrates object detection, grasp selection, and wrist orientation estimation algorithms. By combining CVS with a simulated EMG-based intention detection module, the SCS guarantees reliable prosthesis control. Results show high accuracy in grasping and object classification (≥97%) at a fast frame analysis frequency (2.07 FPS). The SCS achieves an average angular estimation error ≤18° and stability ≤0.8° for the proposed application. Operative tests demonstrate the capabilities of the proposed approach to handle complex real-world scenarios and pave the way for future implementation on a real prosthetic device.
ISSN:2218-6581