Transradial prostheses: Trends in development of hardware and control systems

Prosthesis is a wearable device that intends to provide the functionality and/or appearance of a missing body part. In the case of trans-radial prostheses, the wearer or the trans-radial amputee is fitted with an artificial wrist and a hand that is either mechanically or electro-mechanically operated. Main aim is to enable the wearer to perform activities of daily living with minimal external assistance.

In this review paper, hardware systems of state-of-the-art trans-radial prostheses have been briefly discussed. Focus is to provide an insight on the latest technologies employed in development of its mechanical systems: terminal devices, artificial wrist joints, and body attachments. In that context, latest hardware designs on terminal devices for grasping motion are presented as it is the primary function of trans-radial prostheses. Hardware designs of prosthetic wrists and body attachments are also reviewed. Finally, latest trends and future directions on design of trans-radial prostheses are explored and presented.

Size, shape, weight, durability, appearance, and functionality are the key factors that need to be considered when developing a trans-radial prosthesis. Moreover, the current developments are moving closer to a human upper limb. However, the availability of these devices is minimum due to high-tech involved and the high cost, which necessitates further development trans-radial prostheses.