SimBionics: Neuromechanical Simulation and Sensory Feedback for the Control of Bionic Legs

Abstract

Lower limb prosthetic technology has greatly advanced in the last decade, but there are still many challenges that need to be tackled to allow amputees to walk efficiently and safely on many different terrain conditions. Neuro-mechanical modelling and online simulations combined with somatosensory feedback, has the potential to address this challenge. By virtually reconstructing the missing limb together with the associated somatosensory feedback, this approach could enable amputees to potentially perceive the bionic legs as extensions of their bodies. A prosthesis equipped with such biologically inspired closed-loop control could duplicate the mechanics of walking far more accurately than conventional solutions. The project SimBionics aims to explore these opportunities and advance the state-of-the-art in lower limb prosthesis control.