Intelligent prosthesis - A biomechatronics approach

Abstract

Systems are becoming more and more complex and there is an ever increasing need to address all relevant issues beginning with the initial conceptual design stage. If a complex system having precision mechanical components, electronic circuitry and control software is considered in detail, it is appreciated that there is a close relation and interaction between these elements in the system. Consider a complex mechatronic system having all of the aspects referred to above and which is going to be used in association with a complex biological system. In this case, there needs to be a close relationship with and interaction between the biological system and the mechatronic system, requiring that a biomechatronic approach is adopted in its design and development. Such an approach could also be used in other instances such as the design and development of complex mobile robots2. The human body combines intelligence with sophisticated sensors and actuators, making it the most logical source of inspiration and study when designing and developing many intelligent systems. In this chapter, an overview will be given of biomechatronics and the approach to the design and development of intelligent systems. As the case study is that of lower limb prosthetics, a brief description is given of human lower limb functions. Prosthetics are then reviewed and analysed as an example of a biomechatronic system. © 2010 Springer-Verlag London.