It is a fact widely known that the bottleneck in advanced robotic prostheses is the lack and instability of the bioelectric signals required for control. In this multidisciplinary project, these issues are addressed by employing implantable electrodes permanently accessible through the Osseointegrated Human-Machine Gateway (OHMG). The OHMG is a bidirectional interface that allows permanent communication into the human body, and it is the key development of this project. The scope of this research includes: the OHMG and neuromuscular interfaces; analog and digital electronics such as biopotential amplifiers, filters, and microcontrollers; bioelectric signal processing, pattern recognition, and control algorithms; and finally but more importantly, the clinical implementation of this technology.
The successful completion of this project will have an unprecedented impact on amputee’s healthcare, improving their quality of life and facilitating their reintegration into society. Furthermore, it also aims to answer questions of scientific relevance in both engineering and medical fields.