On the use of 3D printing technology towards the development of a low-cost robotic prosthetic arm

Abstract

This article explores the feasibility of using 3D-printable technology towards the development of low cost robotic prosthetics. As an initial validation, two prototypes were fabricated: a hand with 5 fingers controlled by a wearable instrumented glove and a hand-arm that can be controlled by flexing any muscle in the user's arm through a sensor that collects electromyographic (EMG) signals from the muscle. Finger motions were controlled by servomotors which work as actuators while the rotation of each servomotor was controlled using microcontrollers. The aim was to demonstrate the feasibility of using 3D printing technology for building a prototype of a controlled hand as a first step towards the development of low cost prosthesis as a possible aid for low income people with disabilities.