A Non-Invasive Closed-Loop Myoelectric Prosthetic Hand Featuring Electrotactile Sensory Feedback
Guanyu Zhu, Yilong Dou, Qiong Wu, Qichuan Ding
Abstract
The absence of sensory feedback has been a critical challenge for myoelectric prostheses in recent years. While electrotactile feedback has emerged as an effective non-invasive solution, significant challenges remain in simultaneously ensuring real-time performance, processing EMG signals under electrical stimulation interference, and transmitting richer sensory information. This study proposes a multidimensional bio-inspired electrical stimulation feedback paradigm, implemented on a self-developed closed-loop myoelectric prosthetic hand system with real-time interference avoidance capability. Utilizing the human cutaneous nervous system as the feedback pathway, our paradigm establishes diverse electrotactile patterns through real-time modulation of four-channel stimulation parameters (frequency and current intensity). Experimental results with both able-bodied participants and amputees demonstrate that the proposed paradigm can accurately convey prosthetic state information, enabling users to perceive object size, length, shape, and stiffness through the prosthetic hand. This feedback framework provides a viable sensory restoration solution for prosthetic applications.