Abstract: A method for operating a grasping device and grasping devices therefrom are provided. The grasping device is configured to use a plurality of parallel, bi-directional state flow maps each defining a sequence of poses for a plurality of joints in the grasping device. The method include receiving at least one control signal, determining a current pose of the grasping device within the one of the plurality of state flow maps currently selected for the grasping device, and selectively actuating the plurality of joints to traverse the sequence of poses, where a direction for traversing the sequence of poses is based on the at least one control signal.

Abstract: A method for operating a grasping device and grasping devices therefrom are provided. The grasping device is configured to use a plurality of parallel, bi-directional state flow maps each defining a sequence of poses for a plurality of joints in the grasping device. The method include receiving at least one control signal, determining a current pose of the grasping device within the one of the plurality of state flow maps currently selected for the grasping device, and selectively actuating the plurality of joints to traverse the sequence of poses, where a direction for traversing the sequence of poses is based on the at least one control signal.

Abstract: A prosthesis for replacing a native disc between first and second adjacent vertebral bodies. The prosthesis includes a compliant element having a first composition and a geometry for providing a plurality of element stiffnesses for the compliant element substantially matching spatial stiffnesses of the native disc. The prosthesis also includes an upper plate of the first or a second composition, the upper plate having opposed inner and outer surfaces, the upper plate inner surface having a first retaining structure for affixing a position of the first end of the compliant element, and a lower plate of the first or a second composition, the lower plate having opposed inner and outer surfaces, the lower plate inner surface having a second retaining structure for affixing a position of the second end of the compliant element.