This paper provides a brief overview of the adaptive control of prehen
sion. Several primary issues for research in the field are considered.
One pertains to the stages of prehensile activity, with particular co
ncern for the kinematic control of precontact phases, and the coordina
tion of load and grip forces following contact. Others relate to the b
asis of anticipatory and sensory-guided (via visual, proprioceptive, t
actile, and haptic feedback) control of prehension. The nature of inte
rnal representations of actions is also briefly considered.