Abstract

All of the hand prostheses on the market are ergonomically inadequate. Further, their unattractive appearance and lack of functionality militates against a return to work. Finger geometry and movement were studied, and modelled by computer. Prosthesis geometry has now been established, and all the required characteristics have been implemented into a new prosthesis which permits digital, lateral, and palm grip, in contrast to the majority of existing prostheses, which allow only one type of grip. The design phase has been completed, and a number of components are already available. The second phase of this project (1987-89), funded by the IRSST (087-014), will be concerned with component optimization, construction of a functional prototype, and clinical evaluation of the prosthesis. In view of the impressive potential of this prosthesis technology, parallel studies will also be carried out on its application in robotics.