Design and fabrication of automated prosthetic arm

摘要

This Paper presents the design and fabrication of an operational first prototype of the Automated Prosthetic Arm capable of autonomously determining the object and selecting the most appropriate method for grabbing the said object. Autonomy of the device is achieved through the use of a unique software/App control system which takes input from module’s embedded in the arm to determine the object, the position of each finger, grip strength and the quality of grip. The intended use of this technology is in the medical field as a prosthesis. However, the hand could also be adopted to work on other robot platforms as a versatile gripper to perform various repetitive/monotonous work. The advantage of our system as a prosthesis is that its autonomous functions will allow the user to access a wide variety of functionality more quickly and easily than similar, commercially available products. This project covers a broad range of engineering disciplines. The root of the system is an innovative mechanical design for a 3D printed automated prosthetic arm. The Modern day electronic actuators and circuitry enhance the device and allow for sophisticated control schemes. It is strongly believed that this work will be of a great value to a diverse audience.