Control Advances in Upper Limb Prostheses: A Review. Part I: Invasive Methods

Recent advancements in materials science, robotics and signal processing have significantly enhanced upper limb prostheses, emphasizing the crucial role of control systems in their functionality. These systems determine how effectively users can manipulate objects and perform daily tasks, driving the demand for more intuitive and functional devices. This paper reviews advances in control strategies for upper limb prostheses and highlights the importance of effective control mechanisms to improve the functionality and usability of prostheses. The review classifies the control strategies based on the invasiveness of signal acquisition methods and describes invasive approaches. Invasive techniques such as implantable myoelectric sensors and neural interfaces provide precise control using direct muscle or nerve signals, but carry surgical risks. The review emphasizes the need for ongoing research to optimize these technologies and expand their applications, aiming to improve the quality of life for amputees by restoring mobility and functionality.