Neural control of bionic legs

Research Project, 2018 – 2020

Development of a system which enables for long-term stable, neural control and sensory feedback of robotic leg prostheses in lower limb amputees via a novel osseo-neuromuscular interface. Currently, the most sophisticated leg prostheses operate independently from the patient’s neuromuscular system by autonomously inferring gait states. This separation between the biological and mechatronic control systems results in limited functionality, as well as poor physiological adaptation to the artificial limb. The aim of this project is to provide, for the first time, natural neuromuscular control and sensory feedback for robotic leg prostheses. In this context, “natural” is dened as providing control in the same way as an intact physiological system. This means coordinated and simultaneous movements of dierent degrees of freedom (for example, ankle flexion while extending the knee). It also implies that the input control signals come from nerves or muscles that were originally meant to produce the intended movement (physiologically appropriate).

Furthermore, natural control requires that sensory feedback is perceived as originating in the missing leg, without overwhelming concentration from the user. The system developed in this project will provide a functionality of the artificial limb which approaches that of an intact limb. This will lead to a higher quality of life and improved functional abilities for lower limb amputees