Development of Low cost Prosthetic Arm

Project Title

Development of Low cost Prosthetic Arm

Project Area of Specialization Biomedical EngineeringProject Summary

An artificial machine that pics up signal from residual mass of muscles and converts it to defined movements is known as prosthetic arm. Prosthesis can play a dynamic role in reintegration. The prosthetic arm can progress the ability to achieve daily activities and provide means to remain independent. This is done with the help of sensors. In healthcare applications, sensors are critical. The importance of a sensor-based prosthetic hand is growing. The prosthetic arm is created in such a way that its construction is Simple and long-lasting to ensure that the intended activities are carried out smoothly. The prosthetic hand helps the people to complete activities such as pick, grasp, pinch, point and ok sign. It works by capturing EMG signals caused by the amputee's muscular activities using EMG electrodes. Three electrodes are put on the muscles. One at the mid of the muscle, one at the end of the muscle, and 3rd attached to bone. Signal reception is limited to the biceps and triceps. The signals are transferred to the EMG module, where they are further processed and filtered, as well as amplification added. The EMG module includes amplifiers and filters. The received signal is amplified first, and then noise is eliminated using filters. The signals that have been processed, are sent to Arduino to perform different activities. The goal of the prosthetic/artificial hand is to improve the old prosthetic functions by using new materials, mechanisms, and functionalities. Its design must be straightforward and easy to use, as well as sturdy without sacrificing key functions. As a result, it must be built in such a way that the prosthetic hand's components are compatible with the individual amputee.

Project Objectives

The main objective of this project are:

• To develop a prosthetic arm that picks up signals from the residual mass of amputated person and converts it to defined movements.
• It can perform movements like grab, pinch, point and ok sign.

Project Implementation Method

Software was utilized for 3D modeling of prosthetic hand. 3D Model was fabricated using 3D printing technology. Material used for printing of hand is Polylactic Acid. Polylactic acid provides extra durability to the final product. The hand consists of radial-ulnar part, palm and five fingers with joints for characteristics movements and gestures. The residual muscle mass of amputed person is used to capture EMG signal by placing electrodes on the surface. These signals originate as a result of bio potentials in the muscles. The amplitude of signals is in the order of mV and also contain noises. The signal is amplified and noise is removed by EMG V3 muscle sensor. Than signals are transferred to Arduino for real time processing. A 10-bit Analog to Digital convertor is used to map these signals to generate control signal for servo motors. These amplified, purified and processed are used for desired movements of prosthetic hand. The hand can perform movements like Grab, Point and OK.

Benefits of the Project

Prosthetics are not only costly, but due to their demand in the present time, they are also extortionate. As a result, people are left without prosthetics or without the ones that are most suited to their essentials.  Amputees in impoverished nations have limited access to prosthetic limbs due to the exorbitant cost. This becomes an impediment to their ability to live a regular life. It is communal awareness that folks with disabilities or amputees require more medical attention than others. Unfortunately, amputees and those with disabilities in developing nations are further handicapped by their financial constraints, which prevent them from receiving sufficient treatment when it is required. We're working on breaking down this obstacle by designing a low cost prosthetic arm that will fill the gap in the society. The quality of the end product was not overlooked at any point during the development process. We are confident that our product will find a market in both the domestic and foreign markets. We want to equip upper extremity amputees in Pakistan with a locally manufactured, functionally optimal, and economically affordable alternative. We are using muscle controlled prosthetics in the design methodology and cost effective strategy on the base of EMG signal is used in our project. A myoelectric-controlled arm sends further comfort, variety of motion, suitable area, and a more natural appearance than a typical body-powered prosthesis. Our prosthetic arm will support an amputee in doing essential everyday tasks such as drinking water, driving, typing and pointing towards objects. Sensors that monitor muscle electrical signals and transform such contractions and signals to diverse movements connect the mind to the prosthesis in our prosthetic arm. It aid in the development of sensitivity, body integration, and control. Our prosthetic arm provides simple and rapid attachment and removal. 3D polymeric material is being used for the cosmetic manufacture of prosthetic arm that will not cause skin irritations otherwise.

Technical Details of Final Deliverable

1. Artificial Hand

1. Dimension (five fingers having 3 Joint each.)
2. Weight (500gm)
3. Material (Polylactic Acid)

1. Microcontroller

1. Operating Voltage: 5 Volts (Logic 1)
2. Input Voltage:  7V to 20V
3. PWM Pins 6 (#3, #5, #6, #9, #10, #11)
4. Analog Input Pins 6
5. Power Sources: DC Power Jack, USB Port and Vin Pin

1. Battery

1. Operating voltage 12-volt
2. Operating time up to 45-60 minutes
3. Current 7 Amperes

1. Servo Motors

1. Input voltage: 5-35V
2. Operating Speed (6v):  0.160 sec/60° degrees at no load
3. Stall Torque (4.8v):        9.4kg/cm
4. Stall Torque (6v):           11kg/cm
5. Motor Type:                    Brushed Motor

1. Buck Convertor

1. Input Voltage Range: 3.2V to 40V
2. Output Voltage Range: 1.25V to 35V
3. Switching Frequency: 150kHz
4. Max Current Load: 3A

Final Deliverable of the Project HW/SW integrated systemCore Industry MedicalOther Industries Manufacturing , Others Core Technology RoboticsOther Technologies Artificial Intelligence(AI), 3D/4D Printing, Wearables and ImplantablesSustainable Development Goals Good Health and Well-Being for PeopleRequired Resources

Item Name	Type	No. of Units	Per Unit Cost (in Rs)	Total (in Rs)
			Total in (Rs)	79000
Arduino	Equipment	2	2500	5000
EMG Module	Equipment	3	6000	18000
EMG Patches	Miscellaneous	4	500	2000
Buck and Boast Convertor	Equipment	2	1500	3000
Batteries	Equipment	1	5000	5000
Finger Servo Motor	Equipment	4	1000	4000
3D Printing	Equipment	1	33000	33000
Thumb Servo Motor	Equipment	2	500	1000
Others	Miscellaneous	1	8000	8000