Sonomyographic Control of Fiber-Optically Sensorized Prosthetic Fingers for Graded Force Actuation

Sonomyographic Control of Fiber Optically Sensorized Prosthetic Fingers for Graded Force Actuation Intelligent Fiber Optic Systems CorporationIFOSCalle del MundoSanta ClaraCAwww ifos com PROJECT SUMMARY ABSTRACTMAXIMUMLINESIn this Phase I SBIR applicationIFOS and George Mason UniversityGMUpropose an innovative control system leveraging on two emerging technologiesultrasonic imaging based readout of muscle activity in the forearmsonomyographyand fiber optically sensorized prosthetic fingersThe proposed solution will enable fine control of force application as measured by digit specific forearm muscles to support greater freedom of prosthetic finger movement beyond conventional reliance upon libraries of known gripsReal timefiber opticbased force measurements at the prosthetic finger will ensure that proper actuation force is applied via feedback to the actuation controllerIFOS and GMU have already demonstrated the feasibility of the two distinct and innovative technologies and now seek to demonstrate their fusion and optimization for prosthetic applicationsThe proposed innovation is designed to be commercially viable with considerable impact on the field of advancedlife like prosthetic replacementIt addresses several current impediments to their widespread adoptionincluding known grips limitationscostsensor functionalitysense of touchand prosthetictissue interface comfort and connectivity Project NarrativeIntelligent Fiber Optic Systems Corporationandapos s optically sensorizedgradedforce actuating prosthetic finger will provide multi modal sensing and feedback while improving upon existing productsandaposcostcomfortand functionalityThe IFOS prosthetic finger using innovative sonomyographic muscle readout for actuation commands is aimed at assisting upper limb amputees regain critical grasping and manipulation functionalityenabling them to move beyond known grips libraries