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. 2024 Sep:2024:1790-1794.
doi: 10.1109/biorob60516.2024.10719785. Epub 2024 Oct 23.

Improving Device Testing Efficiency in Prosthetic Research: The Impact of an Automated Robustness Testing Protocol

Ann M Simon  1   2 , Shawana Anarwala  1 , Kayan Abdou  1 , Levi J Hargrove  1   2   3
Affiliations

Improving Device Testing Efficiency in Prosthetic Research: The Impact of an Automated Robustness Testing Protocol

Ann M Simon et al. Proc IEEE RAS EMBS Int Conf Biomed Robot Biomechatron. 2024 Sep.

Abstract

Resource constraints are common in prosthetic device research, and research and development inevitably occurs simultaneously. Managing the balance between device upgrades, repairs, and ensuring reliability for participant use present a continuous challenge. This paper introduces an automated robustness testing protocol designed to assess device performance and reliability. The protocol was designed to validate software updates, identify issues, and ensure consistency across prototypes and repairs. We used this method to test new design and software iterations to an active leg system. The protocol was used to successfully identify and address potential issues before participant sessions including deviations in sensors, disconnecting wires, and software bugs. It was also used to demonstrate consistency in mechanical responses across multiple prototypes of the active leg system. Our results show that this method has the capability to identify potential issues before participant sessions, ensuring smoother research workflows and minimizing disruptions during participant use.

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Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.
(Left) Hybrid Knee and Polycentric Ankle leg system on the test stand. (Right) State machine for the automated protocol. The test begins with manual intervention to test passive range of motion (blue states). Motors are then automatically enabled for powered joint and AVT testing (red states) followed by active knee flexion and passive knee extension with varying amplitude of knee extension brake (yellow states). The test concludes with simulated walking cycles (green states) of medium, slow, and fast simulated walking. Cycle counts can remain low to minimally confirm behavior or increase to lengthen any portion of the test. Additionally, any portion of the test can be repeated for a specified duration.
Figure 2.
Figure 2.
Automated robustness testing results from two prototypes (one solid line and the other dotted line) of the Hybrid Knee and Polycentric Ankle. A) Knee, ankle, and AVT positions are shown for a successful test. The passive range of motion testing is not plotted. B) Zoomed in portions of the knee and ankle powered joint oscillation test showing consistent mechanical response between prototypes including target angles.
Figure 3.
Figure 3.
Failed tests (solid line) compared to a successful tests (dashed line) shows a failure during active knee oscillations (top) and AVT movement (bottom).
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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