Cobotic architecture for prosthetics

Conf Proc IEEE Eng Med Biol Soc. 2006:2006:5635-7. doi: 10.1109/IEMBS.2006.259556.

Abstract

We envision cobotic infinitely-variable transmissions (IVTs) as an enabling technology for haptics and prosthetics that will allow for increases in the dynamic range of these devices while simultaneously permitting reductions in actuator size and power requirements. Use of cobotic IVTs eliminates the need to make compromises on output flow and effort, which are inherent to choosing a fixed transmission ratio drivetrain. The result is a mechanism with enhanced dynamic range that extends continuously from a completely clutched state to a highly backdrivable state. This high dynamic range allows cobotic devices to control impedance with a high level of fidelity. In this paper, we discuss these and other motivations for using parallel cobotic transmission architecture in prosthetic devices.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Artificial Limbs
  • Biomechanical Phenomena*
  • Biomedical Engineering
  • Computer-Aided Design
  • Electric Power Supplies
  • Electronics
  • Equipment Design
  • Humans
  • Kinetics
  • Prostheses and Implants*
  • Prosthesis Design*
  • Risk
  • Robotics