Remote-controlled ambidextrous robot hand concept

Abstract

In the development of robotic limbs, the side of members is of importance to define the shape of artificial limbs and the range of movements. It is mainly significant for biomedical applications concerning patients suffering arms or legs injuries. In this paper, the concept of an ambidextrous design for robot hands is introduced. The fingers can curl in one way or another, to imitate either a right hand or a left hand. The advantages and inconveniences of different models have been investigated to optimise the range and the maximum force applied by fingers. Besides, a remote control interface is integrated to the system, allowing both to send commands through internet and to display a video streaming of the ambidextrous hand as feedback. Therefore, a robotic prosthesis could be used for the first time in telerehabilitation. The main application areas targeted are physiotherapy after strokes or management of phantom pains for amputees by learning to control the ambidextrous hand. A client application is also accessible on Facebook social network, making the robotic limb easily reachable for the patients. Additionally the ambidextrous hand can be used for robotics research as well as artistic performances.