Design of a Bionic Hand Prosthesis
A Prosthetic arm is an artificial limb that replaces an arm missing below the elbow. In this current day and age, the advancement in technology has led to the development of artificial limbs. Although a boon to the society, they are neither cost-effective nor particularly functional in many cases. A
2025-06-28 16:26:27 - Adil Khan
Design of a Bionic Hand Prosthesis
Project Area of Specialization Electrical/Electronic EngineeringProject SummaryA Prosthetic arm is an artificial limb that replaces an arm missing below the elbow. In this current day and age, the advancement in technology has led to the development of artificial limbs. Although a boon to the society, they are neither cost-effective nor particularly functional in many cases. A design of an anthropomorphic prosthesis has been created that is both cost-effective and functional in its use. The novel design of the prosthetic arm incorporates five fingers that are individually actuated and in addition to a powered thumb roll articulation. The prosthesis Is battery-powered that can be recharged. An Arduino pro mini microcontroller is used to work the prosthesis. Muscle sensing electrodes along with an EMG module is being used as the input source. There are multiple options for signal input and control algorithms. This prototype will serve as a platform for future efforts.
Project Objectives- It will consist of 6 DOF (Degree of Freedom), 5 individually actuated fingers and additional degree of rolling motion at thumb.
- Its batteries will be easily replaceable or rechargeable.
- Each joint will have analog position feedback throughout the range of motion.
- It will have cylindrical grip force.
- It will be economically affordable as the market price of a vailable prosthetics averages around Rs 3-3.5 Lacs approx.
- The basic task of grasping and picking an object will be achieved via a glass of water.
The basic design was made after studying the human hand where 2 pivot joints were added with a linkage to mimic the grasping motion of the hand
The worm gear is mechanically linked with the second joint of the finger which when rotated by the motor bends the joint. The first joint by itself moves freely with the bearings but its motion is dependent on the second joint.
The thumb it contains 2 gear motors that work in unison to provide movement of the thumb. Both motors are placed perpendicular to each other as they move the thumb along two axes for a greater degree of motion.
Benefits of the Project- Commonly available prosthetic hands offer very limited and simple functionality while this prosthetic arm will be both cost effective and functional in its use.
- Novel idea incorporates prosthesis with five individually actuated fingers in addition to power thumb roll articulation which is unseen in commercial products.
- Prosthetic limbs have been described as being too heavy by users so weight of the Anthropomorphic arm will be reduced.
- Mechanical drivetrain is involved to avoid power losses.
- Pakistan has rising number of patients with disabilities. this project will be beneficial for soldiers on forefront.
- Amputees would be benefited from the psychological gains and physical usefulness.
- People who are viewed as “different” in society stand out, those people would blend in and be treated normally, and be able to lead normal high functioning lives.
- Use of a novel compound thumb gearbox will allow powered articulated thumb roll actuation.
- Fingers will be able to travel from fully opened to fully closed in minimal time.
- System will last at least 2 hours under continual use, and idle operation of at least 12 hours.
- Fingertip grip force will be displayed through LEDs for feedback control.
- The carefully thought out use of universal components will allow for a tight packaging of the complete system while keeping costs to a minimum.
| Item Name | Type | No. of Units | Per Unit Cost (in Rs) | Total (in Rs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total in (Rs) | 76977 | |||
| 3D printing | Equipment | 500 | 50 | 25000 |
| N20 micro gear motors | Equipment | 4 | 2000 | 8000 |
| Gears | Equipment | 6 | 250 | 1500 |
| Bearings | Equipment | 22 | 180 | 3960 |
| Electronic Speed Controller | Equipment | 7 | 2145 | 15015 |
| Arduino Pro mini | Equipment | 1 | 2000 | 2000 |
| EMG Module | Equipment | 1 | 6000 | 6000 |
| Lithium Polymer Battery | Equipment | 2 | 1 | 2 |
| Polycarbonate Acrylic Sheet | Equipment | 1 | 5500 | 5500 |
| Miscellaneous | Miscellaneous | 1 | 10000 | 10000 |