Abstract: A system for control of a device includes at least one sensor module detecting orientation of a user's body part. The at least one sensor module is in communication with a device module configured to command an associated device. The at least one sensor module detects orientation of the body part. The at least one sensor module sends output signals related to orientation of the user's body part to the device module and the device module controls the associated device based on the signals from the at least one sensor module.

Abstract: A control method and apparatus for a turning walking receives sensor information, recognizes a turning walking of a user based on the sensor information, and adjusts at least one control parameter to assist the turning walking.

Abstract: A finger mechanism for a robot, an artificial hand, and the like, wherein a fourth bone member (14) of the bone members of the finger mechanism and corresponding to the distal phalanx comprises: a support portion (15) that is rotatably coupled to a third bone member corresponding to the middle phalanx by a rotational shaft (g5); and a nail portion (16). The nail portion (16) can freely rotate about a shaft (g7) at a right angle or a near right angle to the rotational shaft (g5), and a return mechanism (17) to return the rotated nail portion (16) to a reference position is provided between the support portion (15) and the nail portion (16). In this manner, in response to the amount of force applied to the fourth bone member (14), it is possible for only the nail portion (16) to rotate in a direction to easily grasp an object to be held.

Abstract: An example implementation involves receiving measurements from an inertial sensor coupled to the robot and detecting an occurrence of a foot of the legged robot making contact with a surface. The implementation also involves reducing a gain value of an amplifier from a nominal value to a reduced value upon detecting the occurrence. The amplifier receives the measurements from the inertial sensor and provides a modulated output based on the gain value. The implementation further involves increasing the gain value from the reduced value to the nominal value over a predetermined duration of time after detecting the occurrence. The gain value is increased according to a profile indicative of a manner in which to increase the gain value of the predetermined duration of time. The implementation also involves controlling at least one actuator of the legged robot based on the modulated output during the predetermined duration of time.

Abstract: A method of implanting a joint prosthesis assembly for joint arthroplasty using a coupling mechanism is disclosed. The method includes exposing a joint of a patient, resecting a portion of the joint, inserting a second prosthesis of the joint prosthesis assembly into a medullary canal, and inserting a first prosthesis of the joint prosthesis assembly from a lateral side of the joint. The joint prosthesis assembly includes a magnet. The magnet is configured to lock the first prosthesis of the joint prosthesis assembly to the second prosthesis of the joint prosthesis assembly. The first prosthesis of the joint prosthesis assembly includes a recess. The second prosthesis of the joint prosthesis assembly includes a protrusion. The recess is configured to house the protrusion. Alternatively, the first prosthesis and the second prosthesis may be assembled in a direct line using the magnet for secure coupling of the components.

Abstract: An energy storing prosthetic knee actuator and method of using such an energy storing prosthetic knee actuator comprising a hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder with a piston and a piston rod, wherein the piston and the hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder are movable with respect to each other, an energy storage accumulator and a control valve provided in piping connecting the hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder with the energy storage accumulator for controlling an exchange of fluid or gas between the accumulator and the cylinder, wherein the cylinder and the piston are connected to a user's upper leg and lower leg respectively or vice versa, and wherein the actuator is arranged to close the control valve when the user is sitting down and to open the control valve when the user is going to stand or is standing up.

Abstract: Systems, devices and methods for control of a prosthetic or orthotic device (POD) based on electromyography (EMG) signals are described. The POD may be a lower or upper limb POD having one or more joints. One or more EMG sensors may detect the EMG signals. The EMG sensors may be external, subcutaneous, intraperitoneal, epimysial, intramuscular, or other types. Control of the POD may be based on EMG and non-EMG signals, such as velocity, acceleration, position, force, etc. Voluntary and/or automatic control may be implemented, for example with voluntary muscle contractions and/or data based on velocity, acceleration, position, force, etc. In some embodiments, the neutral position of an ankle POD is adjusted based on EMG signals.

Abstract: Disclosed is a walking assistance method and apparatuses, wherein a walking assistance apparatus is configured to adaptively control at least one of a length or a stiffness based on a gait motion of a user to assist an upper body of the user.

Abstract: A joint structure for a robot includes a first link and a second link rotatably coupled to each other through a joint part and a linear-motion actuator coupling the first link to the second link at a part separated from the joint part. The linear-motion actuator has a casing, and a pair of first shaft parts integrally formed with an outer surface of the casing. The first link is supported by the first shaft part so as to be pivotable with respect to the linear-motion actuator. The first link relatively pivots to the second link by the linear-motion actuator reciprocating.

Abstract: A prosthetic or orthotic device can include at least one device portion and a joint portion for providing for the at least one device portion to pivot between flexion and extension movements relative to another adjacent device portion or an adjacent limb segment of a user. In some embodiments, a prosthetic or orthotic device can include a compliant transmission assembly in operational communication with the joint portion. The compliant transmission assembly can include a compliant member and a pivot. The pivot can be interposed between the compliant member and the joint portion. In some embodiments, the compliant member absorbs energy when a torque is applied.

Abstract: Features for a powered prosthetic thumb are described. The thumb provides for rotation of a digit that mimics the natural movement possible with a sound thumb. The thumb may attach to a full or partial prosthetic hand or socket on a residual limb. The thumb may include an upper assembly, including a prosthetic thumb digit, rotatably attached to a mount about a pinch axis and a lateral axis. The digit may rotate about only the pinch axis, only the lateral axis, or both the pinch and lateral axes simultaneously. A first actuator may actuate to cause rotation of the digit about the pinch axis. A second actuator may actuate to cause rotation of the digit about the lateral axis. The first and second actuators may be actuated together at appropriate speeds to cause rotation about both the pinch and lateral axes simultaneously. A swaying chassis may be rotatably connected with the upper assembly and a lower assembly about various offset axes to provide for rotation about the lateral axis.

Abstract: A control method for an arm prosthesis having at least one powered joint and at least one inertial measurement sensor (IMS) includes determining a motion and an orientation of the arm prosthesis relative to the inertial reference frame based at least on an output of the IMS and generating control signals for the at least one powered joint based on the motion and the orientation of the prosthetic arm.

Abstract: A method for controlling an orthopedic joint of a lower extremity in at least one degree of freedom by an adjustable actuator for adjusting an orthopedic apparatus to walking situations that differ from walking on a plane. The orthopedic apparatus comprises top connecting members to connect to a limb, and an orthopedic element that is hingedly arranged distal to the connecting members. The method includes sensing, with sensors, several parameters of the orthopedic apparatus; comparing the sensed parameters with criteria that have been established based on several parameters and/or parameter curves and are stored in a computer unit; selecting a criterion that is suitable on the basis of the determined parameters and/or parameter curves; and adjusting resistances to movements, extents of movements, driving forces, and/or the progresses thereof in accordance with the selected criterion in order to control special functions that differ from walking on a plane.

Abstract: A method for controlling an artificial orthotic or prosthetic knee joint, on which a lower-leg component is arranged and with which a resistance device is associated, the bending resistance of which resistance device is changed in dependence on sensor data that are determined by at least one sensor during the use of the orthotic or prosthetic knee joint, wherein a linear acceleration of the lower-leg component is determined, the determined linear acceleration is compared with at least one threshold value, and, if a threshold value of the linear acceleration of the lower-leg component is reached, the bending resistance is changed.

Abstract: A method for creating brain-machine interface based on received and filtered brain signals from a subject, classifying the filtered signals to classes of brain states, detecting one brain state from the classified brain states and executing by a machine a command that corresponds to the detected state.

Abstract: Embodiments of methods and apparatus for handling substrates of different sizes are provided herein. In some embodiments, an apparatus for handling substrates of different sizes includes: a pair of end effectors having a first set of contact pads configured to support a substrate having a first size and a second set of contact pads configured to support a substrate having a second size, smaller than the first size.

Abstract: A prosthetic arm apparatus including a plurality of segments that provide a user of the prosthetic arm apparatus with substantially the same movement capability and function as a human arm. The segments are connectable to one another and connectable to a prosthetic support apparatus that may be adorned by the user. A prosthetic limb segment includes a housing having an input interface and an output interface, the output interface and the input interface being moveable with respect to one another, a motorized drive disposed within the housing, the motorized drive effecting movement of at least one of the output interface or the input interface, and a controller disposed within the housing for controlling actuation of the motorized drive. The controller may be configured to communicate with at least a second motorized drive of at least a second prosthetic limb segment to control actuation thereof.

Abstract: An artificial hand is provided. The artificial includes phalanges suitable to reproduce at least one finger, hinges hinging a first element identifying a phalanx to a second element identifying a second phalanx, and an implementation mechanism suitable to command a reciprocal rotation between the hinges defining a mutual rotation speed between the first and second element. The hinges define different damping coefficients so that, during a mutual rotation of the first and second element, they are subject to distinct damping forces opposing mutual rotation and proportional to the mutual rotation speed so as to vary the movement of the artificial hand as a function of the mutual rotation speed.

Abstract: An intra-cardiac device component (ICDC) is inserted into one to four chambers of the heart. The ICDC in the right atrium and left atrium expands while the tricuspid and mitral valves are open during the first-time epoch. The expansion in the right atrium and left atrium pushes blood from these atriums into their respective ventricles. The ICDC in the right ventricle and left ventricle contracts at this time epoch and the pulmonary and aortic valves are closed. In the succeeding time epoch, the ICDC in the right atrium and left atrium contracts while the tricuspid and mitral valves are closed, and the right atrium and left atrium are filling with blood. The ICDC in the right ventricle and left ventricle expand in this time epoch while the pulmonary and aortic valves are open. This sequence increases blood flow into the pulmonary artery and aorta and helps to remedy the decreased ability to pump blood in heart failure patients.

Abstract: A prosthesis with controlled linear motion and methods for adapting the device to multiple amputation points are described. The device is designed to shorten during the swing phase to prevent striking the surface of the ground, and extend at the beginning and end of the swing to provide forward propulsion and begin to transfer bodyweight load from the opposing leg. The prosthesis includes an actuator to provide linear motion, a battery, sensors, and a controller.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for helping a user walk may verify whether the user is in a standing state and calculate a torque that controls balance of the user, and an assistance force for controlling balance may be provided for the user based on the torque generated by an actuator.

Abstract: A locomotion assisting exoskeleton device includes a plurality of braces, including a trunk support for affixing to the part of the torso of a person and leg segment braces each leg segment brace for connecting to a section of a leg of the person. The device further includes at least one motorized joint for connecting two of the braces and for providing relative angular movement between the two braces. The device includes at least one tilt sensor mounted on the exoskeleton device for sensing a tilt of the exoskeleton, and a controller for receiving sensed signals from the tilt sensor and programmed with an algorithm with instructions for actuating the motorized joints in accordance with the sensed signals.

Abstract: A motion assist device includes a drive mechanism that applies a force to the body of a user through the intermediary of a first orthosis and a second orthosis, posture detectors that detect the posture of the user, and a control unit that controls the drive mechanism. A transmission mechanism of the drive mechanism is configured to be switchable between a transmission mode, in which a driving force based on a spring is transmitted to move a joint into a predetermined state, and a non-transmission mode, in which a joint can be freely moved without transmitting the driving force that has been accumulated. The control unit automatically switches the transmission mechanism to the non-transmission mode when a predetermined trigger event is recognized based on the posture of the user.

Abstract: Linings for fitting an object to a body part, and their use, are provided. The lining may include a flexible sheet having a fluid impenetrable outer portion enclosing an internal volume and the lining may include barriers forming a number of compartments substantially secured in place within the internal volume. The barriers may be permeable to gas and/or liquid, yet may be impermeable to the conformable material and the gas and/or liquid may be supplied to or aspirated from one or more compartments within the internal volume. Aspiration of gas and/or liquid from the internal volume may limit both deformation of the conformable material and shape adjustment of the flexible sheet.

Abstract: A kinesthetic sensor measure angular displacement of body parts of users by measuring a density of substances contained in a conduit of the kinesthetic sensor. For example, the kinesthetic sensor measures the density of substance including in a conduit by transmitting a signal into the conduit and measuring the signal after the signal passes through the conduit and one or more substances included in the conduit. Based on the density of the one or more substances included in the conduit from the measured signal, an angular displacement of a user's body part proximate to the kinesthetic sensor is determined. Kinesthetic sensors may use different architectures such as an open-loop, a closed-loop architecture, or an architecture using blood vessels as conduits. Additionally, kinesthetic sensors can be flexible to conform to physical contours of different body parts.

Abstract: This disclosure includes a force feedback system. In some embodiments, the system includes a base, a microcontroller communicatively coupled to a computing device, a thumb force feedback unit, and four finger force feedback units. The thumb force feedback unit may be configured to capture thumb motion and provide force feedback according to input from the computing device. Additionally, each of the four finger force feedback units may be configured to capture finger motion and provide force feedback according to input from the computing device. In some embodiments, the system includes at least one vibrational actuator configured to produce a physical stimulus.

Abstract: Systems and methods for prosthetic device control with a unified virtual constraint that controls an entire gait cycle of the prosthetic device.

Abstract: A method for controlling a change of resistance in an artificial joint of an orthosis, an exoskeleton or prosthesis of a lower extremity. The artificial joint has an upper part and a lower part which are secured on each other so as to be pivotable about a pivot axis, a damper unit is secured between the upper part and the lower part in order to provide a resistance to flexion or extension of the artificial joint, and the damper unit is assigned an adjusting mechanism via which the resistance is changed when a sensor signal of a control unit assigned to the adjusting mechanism activates the adjusting mechanism. The resistance is changed as a function of the position and/or length of the measured or calculated leg tendon and/or the time derivatives thereof.

Abstract: A tunable actuator joint module of a robotic assembly comprises an output member and an input member, where the output member is rotatable about an axis of rotation. A primary actuator (e.g., a motor) is operable to apply a torque to rotate the output member about the axis of rotation. A quasi-passive elastic actuator (e.g., rotary or linear pneumatic actuator) comprising an elastic component is tunable to a joint stiffness value and is operable to selectively release stored energy to apply an augmented torque to assist rotation of the output member and to minimize power consumption of the primary actuator. The tunable actuator joint module comprises a control system having a valve assembly controllably operable to switch the quasi-passive elastic actuator between an elastic state and an inelastic state during respective portions of movement of the robotic assembly (e.g., a hip or knee joint of an exoskeleton). Associated systems and methods are provided.

Abstract: A pet prosthetic for a stump of an animal including: a clamp portion configured to clamp to an upper portion of the stump above an elbow joint of the animal or a knee joint of the animal; a stump holder configured to receive the lower portion of the stump below the elbow joint of the animal or the knee joint of the animal; a stump holder cradle configured to receive and support the stump holder; a left rear support operably connecting the clamp portion to the stump holder cradle; a right rear support operably connecting the clamp portion to the stump holder cradle; an ankle joint operably connected to the stump holder cradle; a left forward support operably connecting the clamp portion to the ankle joint; a right forward support operably connecting the clamp portion to the ankle joint; and an artificial paw operably connected to the ankle joint.

Abstract: A first exoskeleton is in communication with a central server or a peripheral device. The first exoskeleton collects first data and transmits the first data to the central server or peripheral device. The central server or peripheral device generates second data using the first data and transmits the second data to the first exoskeleton or a second exoskeleton.

Abstract: When a wireless network is constructed, a wireless communication apparatus in the wireless network constructed of a plurality of communication apparatuses decides whether to function as a providing source of communication parameters or as a provision destination that receives communication parameters. In a case where it has been decided that this apparatus is to function as the provision destination that receives communication parameters, the apparatus requests authentication when it participates in the wireless network using communication parameters. In a case where it has been decided that this apparatus is to function as the providing source of communication parameters, the apparatus execute authentication processing in response to an authentication request.

Abstract: A controller for a motion assisting apparatus for a wearer includes circuitry. The circuitry is configured to set switching points in a change in a turning angle of a drive mechanism driven by a drive motor and attached to an ankle joint of the wearer to assist a turning motion of the ankle joint, a ratio of the change in the turning angle being equal to zero at the switching points. The circuitry is configured to set a motion pattern such that the turning angle monotonically increases or monotonically decreases between the switching points. The circuitry is configured to control the drive motor to change the turning angle according to the motion pattern.

Abstract: An example implementation involves receiving measurements from an inertial sensor coupled to the robot and detecting an occurrence of a foot of the legged robot making contact with a surface. The implementation also involves reducing a gain value of an amplifier from a nominal value to a reduced value upon detecting the occurrence. The amplifier receives the measurements from the inertial sensor and provides a modulated output based on the gain value. The implementation further involves increasing the gain value from the reduced value to the nominal value over a predetermined duration of time after detecting the occurrence. The gain value is increased according to a profile indicative of a manner in which to increase the gain value of the predetermined duration of time. The implementation also involves controlling at least one actuator of the legged robot based on the modulated output during the predetermined duration of time.

Abstract: Disclosed is an omni-directional electric medical care bed chair, including mecanum wheels, rollover prevention wheels, a bottom support, motors, a controller, a push rod device, a bed chair device, a cervical traction device, a shoulder joint rehabilitation device and ankle joint rehabilitation devices, wherein the push rod device drives the bed chair device to move, and therefore mutual switching among states of sitting, lying and turning over of the bed chair device can be realized. In conjunction with a bed chair technology enabling lying and turning over, a mecanum wheel technology and medical care rehabilitation equipment, the medical care bed chair has functions of sitting, lying and turning over, also has an omni-directional movement ability, and can assist a patient in body rehabilitation training.

Abstract: A prosthesis for implantation into a mammalian body, the device comprising: (a) a prosthesis for implantation into a mammalian body that includes a sensor array comprising a plurality of sensors mounted to the prosthesis; and (b) an electronics structure for receiving signals from the sensor array and wirelessly transmitting representative signals to a remote receiver, where the plurality of sensors are operative to sense pressure, applied to the prosthesis by another object, in at least two axes generally perpendicular to one another.

Abstract: A method for controlling a damping change in an artificial knee joint of an orthosis or prosthesis, wherein the artificial knee joint has an upper part, a lower part mounted thereon such that it can pivot about a pivot axis, and a resistance unit which is secured on the upper part on an upper articulation point and on the lower part on a lower articulation point in order to provide a resistance to a bending or extending of the artificial knee joint, wherein an adjusting device is assigned to the resistance unit for changing the flexion resistance, wherein the resistance of the resistance unit is increased by an increasing knee angle starting from a knee angle threshold value.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods for recording and transmitting data are provided. The systems, devices, and methods can be used in a variety of contexts, including in conjunction with swinging devices and prosthetics. In one exemplary embodiment, the sensor is configured in a manner that allows it be omni-directional such that its orientation with respect to the object for which it is detecting data is irrelevant to the ability to accurately record and transmit data. In another exemplary embodiment, the system allows a user to use the same sensor across multiple platforms, such as using it for golf and prosthetics, for golf and tennis, or for a regular golf swing and a putting stroke. Other devices, systems, methods, and uses of the same are also provided.

Abstract: A system for control of a prosthetic device includes at least one Inertial Measurement Unit detecting orientation of a user's foot. The at least one Inertial Measurement Unit is in communication with a device module configured to command at least one actuator of a prosthetic device. The at least one Inertial Measurement unit sends output signals related to orientation of the user's foot to the device module and the device module controls the at least one actuator of the prosthetic device based on the signals from the at least one Inertial Measurement Unit.

Abstract: A method for estimating a ground plane includes receiving a pose of a robotic device with respect to a gravity aligned reference frame, receiving one or more locations of one or more corresponding contact points between the robotic device and a ground surface, and determining a ground plane estimation of the ground surface based on the orientation of the robotic device with respect to the gravity aligned reference frame and the one or more locations of one or more corresponding contact points between the robotic device and the ground surface. The ground plane estimation includes a ground surface contour approximation. The method further includes determining a distance between a body of the robotic device and the determined ground plane estimation and causing adjustment of the pose of the robotic device with respect to the ground surface based on the determined distance and the determined ground plane estimation.

Abstract: A walking assistance apparatus includes: a walking assistance attachment to be attached to a leg of a human body and including a variable stiffness mechanism having stiffness that is changeable in a direction where the human bends and stretches the knee by motor driving; and a controller. The controller includes a foot-end motion calculation part configured to receive an output from a sensor to detect motion of a leg and successively calculate a relative velocity of a foot end with reference to a waist of the human body; and a leg state determination part configured to determine shift timing between a swing phase and a stance phase based on the relative velocity of the foot end.

Abstract: A walk assist robot for lower body walking of a walking trainee, including a joint angle signal measurement unit disposed on a joint of the walking trainee, an electromyogram (EMG) signal measurement unit disposed on a muscle related to ankle joint extension of the walking trainee, a plantar pressure signal measurement unit disposed on a sole of the walking trainee, and a control unit to recognize signals measured from the joint angle signal measurement unit, the EMG signal measurement unit and the plantar pressure signal measurement unit and process the signals to recognize a walking speed intention of the walking trainee, wherein the control unit controls a walking speed of the walk assist robot from the walking speed intention of the walking trainee.

Abstract: A powered ankle-foot prosthesis and associated methods of use are described herein. Such prostheses can employ an actuator and elastic components, the actuator being controlled to deliver net positive work to propel the wearing amputee forward and the elastic components being used to store and release negative energy to improve efficiency. Elastic components can be linear springs coupled with a cam and configured in parallel to the actuator. The cam profile can be designed to generate a desired spring torque versus angle curve rather than a spring stroke versus angle curve, thereby reproducing human ankle controlled dorsiflexion stiffness. Such configurations improve system energy efficiency and reduce both actuator torque and power requirements. Such prostheses can also operate in a passive mode, in which a nearly normal gait can be achieved even without powered assist.

Abstract: A variable gain impedance controller for use in a control system for controlling a motorized prosthetic or orthotic apparatus provided with a joint. The controller comprises a sensor input for receiving a signal indicative of an interaction between the apparatus and the ground, a torque sensor input for receiving a signal indicative of the torque at the joint, and a variable gain scheduler in communication with the sensor input to receive data therefrom thereby providing a variable torque gain. The variable gain impedance controller adjusts its control on the apparatus based on the variable torque gain and the indicated torque to increase the joint resistance to motion when the signal received from the sensor input indicates an interaction between the apparatus and the ground, and decrease the joint resistance to motion when the signal received from the sensor input indicates an absence of interaction between the apparatus and the ground.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for controlling an artificial orthotic or prosthetic joint of a lower extremity with a resistance unit to which at least one actuator is associated, via which the bending and/or stretching resistance is changed depending on sensor data. During the use of the joint, status information is provided via sensors. The invention further relates to a device for carrying out such a method. According to the invention, the bending resistance is increased or not lowered in the standing phase, when an inertial angle of a lower leg part decreasing in the direction of the vertical and a front foot under pressure at the same time are identified.

Abstract: An electrical feedthrough assembly for an implantable medical device includes an outer ferrule of metallic material having an outer surface hermetically sealed to an implantable device housing. There is an inner feedthrough assembly which is hermetically sealed within the ferrule and which has a structure of sintered layers that include: i. an electrical insulator of ceramic insulator material, ii. one or more electrically conductive vias of metallized conductive material embedded within and extending through the electrical insulator, and iii. a transition interface region around each of the conductive vias comprising a gradient mixture of the ceramic insulator material and the metallized conductive material forming a gradual transition and a mechanical bond between the electrical insulator and the conductive via.

Abstract: A prosthetic foot comprises an attachment member and two or more flexible members. The attachment member can include a connector configured to connect the attachment member to a user or another prosthetic device. The two or more flexible members can be rotatably attached to the attachment member by rotatable joints such that the flexible members can both rotate and flex relative to the attachment member when the prosthetic foot contacts the ground.

Abstract: Features for a prosthetic wrist and associated methods of rotation are described. The prosthetic wrist attaches to a prosthetic hand. Rotation of the prosthetic wrist is performed in combination with grip formation of the prosthetic hand. An IMU provides data associated with the orientation of the prosthetic hand. A desired grip for the prosthetic hand is selected, for example by gesture control. A rotation for the prosthetic wrist is determined based on the orientation of the prosthetic hand from the IMU data and on the selected desired grip. The prosthetic wrist techniques can also be used in combination with prosthetic arms, elbows and/or shoulders. Example structural configurations for the prosthetic wrist and hand are also provided.

Abstract: Systems and methods for improved control of a lower limb device are disclosed. The lower limb may have one or more joints and one or more corresponding motors. In some embodiments, a center of pressure is calculated in order to enforce virtual constraints at the one or more joints of the lower limb device. The system utilizes one or more effective shapes, and each effective shape's corresponding error, in order to cause each joint motor to produce a torque that causes the joint to move according to a virtual constraint. The systems and methods result in improved control of lower limb devices.

Abstract: A prosthetic arm apparatus comprising a plurality of interconnected segments that provide the prosthetic arm apparatus with substantially the same movement capability and function as a human arm. The segments are connected to one another and connectable to a harness mount that may be adorned by the user. Each segment of the plurality of segments includes an actuator providing a portion of the movement capability, and each segment may operate independently of each of the other segments of the plurality of segments. One segment of the plurality of segments includes a non-backdriving clutch that transfers power from the actuator to an output interface of the segment when the actuator is actuated to generate movement of the output interface in either of two opposing directions and prevents backward transfer of power from the output interface to the actuator of the segment in both of the two opposing directions.