Abstract
We investigate on development of myoelectric elbow prostheses combined by ultrasonic motor and magneto-rheological (MR) fluid. Ultrasonic motors have some special unique features, such as high-torque under low-speed operation, compact size, and no electromagnetic noise. MR fluids are materials that change their rheological characteristics by an applied magnetic field. By use of the proposed prostheses, it appears to be realization of powered prosthesis that are operated with compliance. On other hand, use of the threshold level or amplitude of EMG (electromyogram) is often adopted as control methods of practical myoelectric prostheses using microcomputer. However, this method is not always suitable for the proposed prostheses. In order to development of an EMG contoller using general-purpose microcomputer for the myoelectric elbow prostheses, in this study, we observe EMG of biceps and tricepts muscle of arm, on isotonic and isometric contractions.
