Abstract
Historical evidence suggests that prostheses have been used since ancient Egyptian times. Prostheses were usually utilized for function and cosmetic appearances. Nowadays, with the advancement of technology, prostheses such as artificial hands can not only improve functional, but have psychological advantages as well and, therefore, can significantly enhance an individual’s standard of living. Combined with advanced science, a prosthesis is not only a simple mechanical device, but also an aesthetic, engineering and medical marvel. Prosthetic limbs are the best tools to help amputees reintegrate into society. In this article, we discuss the background and advancement of prosthetic hands with their working principles and possible future implications. We also leave with an open question to the readers whether prosthetic hands could ever mimic and replace our biological hands.
Highlights
Prostheses have been in our lives since the ancient times and have made a significant impact in our living [1,2]
Two or three electrodes are attached to the prosthetic socket for the activity of the prosthetic hand, leading to the capture of the electromyography (EMG) signal from the electrical actions of the excitable muscle cells
Kanik et al developed fiber based artificial muscles to increase performance and minimize the weight of the prosthetic limbs [42]. These actuators are controlled thermally and optically and have the ability to extend over 1000 percent of their length and lift 650 times heavier objects. These fibers were constituted by cyclic olefin copolymer elastomer (COCe) as well as high-density polyethylene (PE) blocks (25 mm by 8 mm cross-section, 200 mm long) and were covered by poly methyl methacrylate (PMMA)
Summary
Prostheses have been in our lives since the ancient times and have made a significant impact in our living [1,2] They were primarily utilized for function and cosmetic appearance [3]. Myoelectric prosthesis users do not have the tactile sense they need to control their prostheses [8]. The control is done by visual feedback These days, providing wearable artificial limbs with advanced tactile perceptions and artificial skins, and facilitating dexterous exploration and interaction with the environment, remains challenging. Newer techniques include sensory regenerative peripheral nerve interfaces, targeted sensory reinnervation, engineered neural interfaces and optogenetics [12] Via feedback, these methods will dramatically pave the way for more intuitive prosthetic control
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
