Richard B. Woodward

Papers

Total Citations

H-Index

About

Richard B. Woodward is a researcher whose work bridges the domains of assistive robotics and civil infrastructure, demonstrating a unique versatility in applying sensing and control technologies. His primary research areas include prosthetic hand control, human-machine interfaces, and automated structural inspection. Woodward’s most notable contribution is a novel method for integrated grip switching and grasp control in prosthetic hands, which fuses inertial sensors with mechanomyography (MMG)—the low-frequency vibrations produced by contracting muscles. This real-time system allows for simultaneous tracking of arm movement and muscle activity, enabling more intuitive and responsive control of prosthetic limbs and multi-robot systems. The work, published in 2015, has garnered 13 citations, marking it as a foundational piece in the field of advanced prosthetics. Additionally, Woodward has contributed to civil engineering through his work on automated bridge inspection, where he developed visualisation and display methods for more objective and repeatable inspection procedures. This research, part of a multi-stage programme, aims to replace manual inspections with data-driven approaches. While his citation counts are modest, Woodward’s interdisciplinary approach—combining biomechanics, sensor fusion, and structural health monitoring—positions him as a forward-thinking engineer whose work has practical implications for both human augmentation and infrastructure safety.