Gap Will Continue to Expand Unless a Change of Focus in Systems for Myoelectric Control Occurs

R ecently, there have been several media reports on advanced multifunction upper limb prostheses, often hyped as “the mind-controlled artificial hands” [1]. Advanced signal processing of the electromyogram (EMG) signal and innovative surgical procedures, such as the targeted muscle reinnervation (TMR) and targeted sensory reinnervation (TSR), are the driving forces behind these achievements. Nonetheless, despite the enthusiasm of some public presentations of artificial devices, there still exist considerable challenges before these developments can be beneficial to the general amputee population. In this article, the basic concept of myoelectric control and the state of the art in both industry and academia will be presented. It will emerge that there is a gap between industrial and academic achievements and that this gap will continue to expand unless a change of focus in systems for myoelectric control occurs.