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Background Prosthesis is a wearable device that intends to provide the functionality and/or appearance of a missing body part. In the case of trans‐radial prostheses, the wearer or the trans‐radial amputee is fitted with an artificial wrist and a hand that is either mechanically or electro‐mechanically operated. Main aim is to enable the wearer to perform activities of daily living with minimal external assistance. Methods In this review paper, hardware systems of state‐of‐the‐art trans‐radial prostheses have been briefly discussed. Focus is to provide an insight on the latest technologies employed in development of its mechanical systems: terminal devices, artificial wrist joints, and body attachments. In that context, latest hardware designs on terminal devices for grasping motion are presented as it is the primary function of trans‐radial prostheses. Hardware designs of prosthetic wrists and body attachments are also reviewed. Finally, latest trends and future directions on design of trans‐radial prostheses are explored and presented. Conclusions Size, shape, weight, durability, appearance, and functionality are the key factors that need to be considered when developing a trans‐radial prosthesis. Moreover, the current developments are moving closer to a human upper limb. However, the availability of these devices is minimum due to high‐tech involved and the high cost, which necessitates further development trans‐radial prostheses.

The knee joint is a complex structure that plays a significant role in the human lower limb for locomotion activities in daily living. However, we are still not quite there yet where we can replicate the functions of the knee bones and the attached ligaments to a significant degree of success. This paper presents the current trend in the development of knee joints based on bio-inspiration concepts and modern bio-inspired knee joints in the research field of prostheses, power-assist suits and mobile robots. The paper also reviews the existing literature to describe major turning points during the development of hardware and control systems associated with bio-inspired knee joints. The anatomy and biomechanics of the knee joint are initially presented. Then the latest bio-inspired knee joints developed within the last 10 years are briefly reviewed based on bone structure, muscle and ligament structure and control strategies. A leg exoskeleton is then introduced for enhancing the functionality of the human lower limb that lacks muscle power. The design consideration, novelty of the design and the working principle of the proposed knee joint are summarized. Furthermore, the simulation results and experimental results are also presented and analyzed. Finally, the paper concludes with design difficulties, design considerations and future directions on bio-inspired knee joint design. The aim of this paper is to be a starting point for researchers keen on understanding the developments throughout the years in the field of bio-inspired knee joints.

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