Bidirectional neuroprosthesis system integration

Abstract

Novel research results of an ongoing development of a personalized forearm neuroprosthesis are being presented. A complete design process shows how the mechanical structure is developed from 3D scanning to 3D printing. With an individual DC motor for each finger and one for the palm, the neuroprosthesis achieves 15 degrees of freedom. Artificial skin cover fingers and palm, acting as resistive pressure sensors, giving a linear full range readout voltage proportional to the applied pressure. Fabrication steps and first-generation implantable electrodes are presented together with analog front-end electronics and an implantable wireless communication system. Arduino is used to process received neural motor signals, control the mechanical hand and process the received feedback signals from the artificial skin. The feedback signals will be wirelessly transmitted to implantable electrode actuators, for stimulation of sensorial nerves. Thus, the work of a bidirectional neuroprosthesis system integration is presented.