A human–machine-centered design method for (powered) lower limb prosthetics

• Published in: Robotics and autonomous systems Vol. 95; pp. 1 - 12
• Main Authors: Beckerle, P., Christ, O., Schürmann, T., Vogt, J., von Stryk, O., Rinderknecht, S.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V 01.09.2017
• Subjects: Design methods; Human factors; Motion assistance; Prosthesis; Wearable robotics; Motion assistance; Wearable robotics; Design methods; Prosthesis; Human factors
• ISSN: 0921-8890; 1872-793X
• DOI: 10.1016/j.robot.2017.05.004

This paper proposes a human–machine-centered approach to lower limb prosthetic design. The approach is based on a profound analysis and modeling of human factors from user and expert survey data. With this knowledge, user demands are considered in the prioritization of technical requirements. To evaluate the design framework, it is applied to the example of the design of a powered prosthetic knee. Key result of this application are a distinct changes in technical requirement priorities that might yield completely different prosthetic designs. Thereby, the potential of the proposed method is substantiated while a practical evaluation is aspect to future studies. Beyond this, the method is easily transferable to other robotic devices operating close to their users, e.g., exoskeletons or teleoperators. •A method for systematic consideration of human factors in lower limb prosthetic design is proposed.•Seven human factors are determined, analyzed, and modeled with user and expert survey data.•A discussion of experts ranks technical requirements based on their connection to human factors.•Application to a powered prosthetic knee indicates distinct changes in technical design.•The method is easily transferable to other robotic devices operating close to their users.