FEEBY: A Flexible Framework for Fast Prototyping and Assessment of Vibrotactile Feedback for Hand Prostheses

Abstract

Enhancing a myoelectric prosthesis with artificial somatosensory feedback is important for providing a complete bionic replacement. The development of feedback comprises several steps, from the selection of stimulation interface, variables, and encoding schemes to testing in non-disabled and amputee subjects. In most cases, specific configurations are implemented and tested. To support a more flexible approach to the development of feedback, where an interface can be iteratively tested and gradually refined, we developed FEEBY - a software and hardware framework for fast prototyping and assessment of feedback both in and out of the lab. FEEBY comprises a PC application for feedback design and subject training, an embedded system for clinical testing, and a smaller version of the system for home use. The system capabilities and the feedback design process were demonstrated by conducting illustrative experiments on 6 non-disabled participants and 1 transradial amputee, who also used the system at home. The results of the present study demonstrated that FEEBY is a compact, low-power, and robust system that can enable the systematic development of feedback and its assessment in ecological conditions. The latter aspect is particularly important to reach the ultimate goal, i.e., a feedback system that matters in daily life.