Tactile sensing and feedback in SEMG hand

Active hand prostheses controlled using surface electromyography (SEMG) signals have been used for decades to restore the grasping function. Amputees with myoelectric hands wish to control the prostheses according to their own will and act like human hands as much as possible. Therefore, substantial research efforts have been put forth to advance the control of myoelectric hands. However, the tactile sensing and feedback of the myoelectric hands are still missing, thus limit hand grasp capabilities. In fact, integration of tactile sensing and feedback with hand prostheses plays an important role in improving the manipulation performance and enhancing perceptual embodiment for users. This paper reviews current state-of-the-art of tactile sensing technologies, including tactile sensor types and integration methods. Then, it introduces the basic theory of SEMG signals and presents an overview of the sensory feedback employed to prosthetic hand. The paper concludes with a detailed discussion of challenging issues and future developments. Copyright © 2018 Inderscience Enterprises Ltd.