International Journal of Engineering and Manufacturing (IJEM)
IJEM Vol. 15, No. 5, 8 Oct. 2025
Cover page and Table of Contents: PDF (size: 990KB)
Author(s)
Chaitra H.
1
Punith Kumar M. B.
2,*
Index Terms
SA-I Afferents, Indentation, Cadence Virtuoso
Abstract
The development of upper limb prostheses poses a significant challenge in providing amputees with sensory feedback. This paper presents a novel approach by proposing a biomimetic circuit specifically designed to replicate the behavior of slowly adapting (SA-I) afferents, which are responsible for encoding sustained indentation and offering crucial sensory feedback. The circuit has been meticulously designed and simulated using Cadence Virtuoso software, a powerful tool for circuit design and optimization. To validate the functionality and performance of the biomimetic circuit, a grid of mechanoreceptors is simulated and tested, providing realistic inputs for the circuit. The circuit successfully emulates the response of SA-I afferents to sustained indentation, exhibiting a slowly adapting discharge that linearly correlates with the depth of indentation. This ability to replicate the natural behavior of SA-I afferents represents a significant advancement in the field of providing sensory feedback for upper limb prostheses.
The biomimetic circuit holds great promise in addressing the crucial need for sensory feedback in upper limb prosthetics. By integrating this circuit into upper limb prostheses, amputees can experience more intuitive and realistic sensations during interactions with their environment. The replication of SA-I afferent behavior provides users with vital information about the magnitude and duration of applied forces, enhancing their overall perception and control of the prosthesis.
The findings of this study contribute to the ongoing progress in the field of prosthetics, particularly in the development of more sophisticated and advanced upper limb prostheses. The successful implementation and simulation of the biomimetic circuit demonstrate its potential as a viable solution for providing amputees with enhanced sensory feedback, ultimately improving their quality of life and reintegrating them into daily activities more seamlessly. The new approach emphasizes the development of a biomimetic circuit tailored to replicate SA-I afferent behavior. The proposal addresses the challenge of providing sensory feedback in upper limb prostheses. The study utilizes Cadence Virtuoso software for precise design, layout, and simulation, offering a practical solution for realistic sensory feedback. By accurately emulating the response of SA-I afferents to sustained indentation, the circuit holds the potential to significantly enhance amputees' quality of life and integration into daily activities. The proposed circuit contributes to the advancement of upper limb prosthetics and represents a significant leap forward in achieving more intuitive and authentic sensory experiences for prosthesis users.
Cite This Paper
Chaitra H., Punith Kumar M. B., "Design and Simulation of Biomimetic Controller", International Journal of Engineering and Manufacturing (IJEM), Vol.15, No.5, pp. 1-17, 2025. DOI:10.5815/ijem.2025.05.01
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