David Cummiskey

University at Buffalo, State University of New York

Papers

Total Citations

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About

David Cummiskey is a researcher focused on advancing upper limb prosthetic technology, with a particular emphasis on addressing the high abandonment rates among transradial amputees. His key research areas include prosthetic design, cable-actuated systems, and the functional optimization of assistive devices. Cummiskey’s major contribution is his work on a cable-actuated prosthetic emulator, which aims to decouple the trade-off between functionality and weight—a critical barrier in current prosthetics where increased function often leads to heavier, less usable devices. By developing a lightweight, cable-driven system, he seeks to improve user acceptance and long-term wearability. While his most-cited paper, "A Cable-actuated Prosthetic Emulator for Transradial Amputees" (2021), has garnered 2 citations, its impact lies in its potential to reshape prosthetic design paradigms, drawing inspiration from successful lower-limb emulator studies. Cummiskey’s work is notable for its practical, user-centered approach, targeting the real-world challenge of device abandonment through innovative engineering solutions that prioritize both performance and comfort.