3D PRINTED PROSTHETIC HAND

CLARKSON UNIVERSITY

The Problem and Objective

Children with upper limb disabilities often face significant challenges due to the lack of affordable prosthetic options. The high cost of myoelectric prostheses, priced around $14,000, makes them inaccessible for many families, particularly in low-income areas and developing countries. Additionally, these prostheses often lack features that cater specifically to children, such as a lightweight and adaptable design to accommodate their constant growth. Our goal is to create an affordable, AI-controlled, customizable pediatric prosthetic hand with multi-articulating functionality that can grasp various objects and offer a natural appearance for children aged 5-10.

The Design and Development Process

We developed a prosthetic hand by integrating AI-based vision control with 3D printing technology. The prosthetic uses a wrist-mounted camera to detect objects and estimate distances, allowing for real-time object recognition and grasping without extensive user training. The hand's structure is made from durable and flexible materials such as PLA and TPU, enabling flexibility in key areas (like fingertips) and strength in others. The hand is powered by an energy-efficient FPGA-based control system, ensuring both affordability and extended use, particularly in resource-constrained environments.

Societal and Technical Impact

The project has successfully produced a functional prototype that meets the needs of its target population—children aged 5-10 with upper limb disabilities. Our prosthetic hand is significantly more affordable than traditional myoelectric options, making it accessible for underserved families globally, including in third-world countries. The design's flexibility and lightweight structure have been validated through testing, proving it capable of grasping a wide range of objects with minimal user training. Additionally, the use of 3D printing and low-cost materials has reduced production costs while maintaining high functionality, ensuring scalability for widespread distribution.