A Highly Efficient HMI Algorithm for Controlling a Multi-Degree-of-Freedom Prosthetic Hand Using Sonomyography

Vaheh Nazari ¹, Yong-Ping Zheng ^1,2

⁰Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong 999077, China.

Sensors (basel, Switzerland) +

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July 12, 2025

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

Sonomyography (SMG) offers a new way to control prosthetic limbs using ultrasound. This study shows SMG accurately controls prosthetic hands for daily activities in amputees.

Area Of Science

Biomedical Engineering
Rehabilitation Technology
Human-Machine Interfaces

Background

Sonomyography (SMG) uses ultrasound to monitor muscle activity for prosthetic control.
SMG shows promise as an alternative to electromyography (EMG), achieving high accuracy in hand gesture classification.
Limited studies have integrated SMG with prosthetics for real-world testing on amputees.

Purpose Of The Study

To develop and evaluate an efficient human-machine interface algorithm for controlling a 6-DOF prosthetic hand using a wireless, wearable ultrasound probe.
To assess the accuracy and reliability of the SMG system in classifying hand gestures.
To demonstrate the system's effectiveness in assisting amputees with daily activities.

Main Methods

Developed a novel human-machine interface algorithm for prosthetic hand control.
Utilized a wireless and wearable ultrasound imaging probe for monitoring forearm muscle activity.
Conducted offline gesture classification tests with healthy participants and real-time functional tests with amputees.

Main Results

Offline testing achieved 100% accuracy in classifying nine distinct hand gestures among healthy participants.
Real-time experiments demonstrated the prosthetic hand's ability to assist amputees in performing various daily tasks.
The SMG system proved effective in controlling a 6-DOF prosthetic hand.

Conclusions

The developed SMG system provides a highly accurate and reliable method for controlling upper-limb prosthetics.
This technology shows significant potential for improving the functional independence of amputees in daily life.
SMG represents a viable and advanced alternative to traditional prosthetic control methods like EMG.

Keywords:

advanced prosthetics artificial intelligence human–machine interface prosthetic real-time controlling system sonomyography wireless ultrasound