Pressure Sensing Technology for Use in Prosthetics

The goal of this research is to design and manufacture a compact, reliable pressure sensor for use in prosthetics. The sensor will be designed to sit inside a prosthetic socket and measure the pressure gradient between the socket and the patient’s limb. The sensor must be unobtrusive in order to maximize comfort for the patient and avoid creating an additional pressure point. Due to the repetitive forces on a prosthetic socket, the sensor must withstand significant fatigue. The possible applications for this sensor include use in biomedical studies to aid in the design of prosthetic sockets, and to provide feedback to robotic prostheses and/or exoskeletons worn by the patient.