Taking both sides: seeking symbiosis between intelligent prostheses and human motor control during locomotion

Robotic lower limb prostheses aim to replicate the powergenerating capability of biological joints during locomotion to empower individuals with lower limb loss. However, recent clinical trials have not demonstrated clear advantages of these devices over traditional passive devices. We believe this is partly because the current designs of robotic prothesis controllers and clinical methods for fitting and training individuals to use them do not ensure good coordination between the prosthesis and user. Accordingly, we advocate for new holistic approaches in which human motor control and intelligent prosthesis control function as one system (defined as human-prosthesis symbiosis). We hope engineers and clinicians will work closely to achieve this symbiosis, thereby improving the functionality and acceptance of robotic prostheses and users' quality of life.

Automated summary

Robotic lower limb prostheses aim to replicate the power-generating capability of biological joints during locomotion, but recent clinical trials have not shown clear advantages over traditional passive devices. The lack of good coordination between the prostheses and users may be a contributing factor. Advocating for a new approach where human motor control and intelligent prosthesis control function as one system, engineers and clinicians are urged to work closely to improve the functionality and acceptance of robotic prostheses.