Optimization of a tactile feedback system to aid the rehabilitation of lower-limb amputees

A tactile feedback system, featuring pneumatically-controlled silicone balloon actuators and piezoresistive force sensors, has been developed to provide augmentative sensory feedback to lower-limb amputees. This system may potentially improve the rehabilitation of lower-limb amputees by transferring otherwise absent force information from the base of the prosthesis to pressure stimuli at the upper leg. Prior to clinical trials, various formulations of the tactile feedback system components were first tested to determine the effect of fabrication processes to system performance and reliability. A systematic evaluation of the actuatorpsilas membrane thickness, uniformity, consistency, and elasticity was conducted, and an optimized balloon actuator was formulated with robust performance based on this study.