Literature Review: Smart ArM: a customizable and versatile robotic arm prosthesis platform for Cybathlon and research

15th January 2025
The Smart ArM prosthesis in its current iteration, fitted with a Taska prosthetic hand | © BioMed Central Ltd unless otherwise stated. Part of Springer Nature

The Smart ArM prosthesis in its current iteration, fitted with a Taska prosthetic hand

BioMed Central Ltd unless otherwise stated. Part of Springer Nature

The article "Smart ArM: a customizable and versatile robotic arm prosthesis platform for Cybathlon and research" presents the development of the Smart ArM platform, a human-like, multi-articulated robotic arm designed to function as a transhumeral prosthesis. The primary objective of this platform is to serve as a test-bed for experimenting with prosthetic control laws and command signals in lifelike settings, thereby bridging a critical gap in upper limb prosthetics research.

Design Principles and Features

The Smart ArM was developed following three key principles:

1. Reprogrammable Embedded System: It offers in-depth customization of control schemes, allowing researchers to tailor the prosthesis' behavior to specific experimental needs.

2. Utilization of Commercially Available Components: The design favors easily accessible parts over custom-made components, enhancing reproducibility and ease of assembly.

3. Compatibility with Industrial Prosthetic Standards: Ensuring the device aligns with existing prosthetic standards facilitates integration with commercially available prosthetic hands and accessories.

The platform includes motorized elbows and wrist joints and is compatible with various commercial prosthetic hands. Its software and electronic architecture are adaptable, supporting a wide array of sensors and actuators. This versatility makes it suitable for diverse research applications, including studies on prosthesis control and sensory feedback.

Applications and Experimental Use

Smart ArM has been employed in several experimental scenarios:

1. Prosthesis Control Studies: Researchers have utilized the platform to investigate novel control strategies, enhancing the intuitive use of prosthetic limbs.

2. Sensory Feedback Research: The device has facilitated experiments aimed at improving sensory feedback mechanisms, crucial for user acceptance and functionality of prosthetic limbs.

3. Participation in Cybathlon: The platform was showcased in the Cybathlon competition, where a pilot with forearm agenesis successfully used the Smart ArM to perform activities of daily living requiring both strength and dexterity. This participation underscores the device's practical applicability and robustness in real-world scenarios.

Significance and Future Directions

The Smart ArM platform addresses a critical need in upper limb prosthetics research by providing a realistic, ecological test-bed for assessing technological innovations. Its adaptability and compatibility with existing prosthetic components make it a valuable tool for both laboratory research and practical applications. Future developments may focus on expanding its sensory feedback capabilities, enhancing user interface design, and further customizing control algorithms to meet individual user needs.

In conclusion, the Smart ArM represents a significant advancement in prosthetic technology, offering a versatile and customizable platform for research and application in the field of upper limb prosthetics.

Reference: Mick, S., Marchand, C., de Montalivet, É. et al. Smart ArM: a customizable and versatile robotic arm prosthesis platform for Cybathlon and research. J NeuroEngineering Rehabil 21, 136 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12984-024-01423-9

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