Developing A Low-cost Myoelectric Prosthetic Hand

Abstract

The purpose of this Bachelor’s study was to build a 3D printed prosthetic hand which can be controlled by an EMG signal from the forearm. For an amputee, upper limbs loss has many different consequences not only in terms of physically but also socially, economically and psychologically. The device aims to help the patients who have lost their hand due to accidents, diseases or birth defects with daily activities.

The device will be attached to the patient’s forearm to replace the lost hand. A prototype prosthesis was created which has basic hand functionality. The prosthesis integrated DC and PWM motors, force sensors and myoelectric sensors. Three electrodes read the EMG signal will be attached in forearm to control the hand. There are five separate DC motors to controls each finger and one servo motor to control the rotation of the wrist. A touch sensor will be attached in the tips of prosthetic model’s fingers to estimate the pressure that the prosthetic grip applies on the holding object. There will be a feedback loop from the touch sensor.

The final outcome is a complete prosthesis that met the initial design requirements and can perform basic hand functionality.