The FLUIDHAND III: A Multifunctional Prosthetic Hand

In Brief The third generation of the FLUIDHAND is an updated version of the previous models containing enhanced functionality, cosmesis, enable secure, and adaptive grasping while maintaining an aesthetic appeal. The combination of flexible fluidic actuators and soft passive elements reduces the required grasping force for a wide range of objects. At the same time, the enhanced actuator system allows high grasping forces if necessary. Two myoelectrodes in the socket together with the developed controller board and software enable quick selection of the most important grasping patterns. Vibrotactile force feedback and wireless programming and control options complete the characteristics of the FLUIDHAND III. Flexible fluidic actuators have proved to be a very suitable actuation system for hand prostheses, due to the outstanding power-to-weight ratio in combination with the inherent compliance of the actuators. The third-generation FLUIDHAND provides enhanced functionality and cosmesis. The combination of flexible fluidic actuators and soft passive elements reduce the required grasping force for many objects, while the enhanced actuation system allows high grasping forces if necessary.