Design of an Accessible, Powered Myoelectrically Controlled Hand Prosthesis

Abstract

In this paper we describe accessible myoelectric prosthetic hand design based on modification of existing mechanical prosthesis and off-the-shelf parts and components. Despite significant advances in myoelectric prosthetics, such existing devices remain out of reach of the majority of the patients needing them due to high costs and complexity. We describe a simple design that can be assembled based on existing or readily acquirable parts at approximately 1/100 of the cheapest commercially available alternative. Our design offers wrist disarticulation patients in developing countries an affordable myoelectric prosthesis with significant capacity for improving their quality of life.