Prototype of robotic mechanical prosthesis of upper limb at low cost

Abstract

The development of prostheses with robotics and programming solutions can be a viable low-cost alternative for simulating the functions lost by disabled people. These prostheses can be used as part of recovery and reintegration of these people with limitations, such as picking up objects and feeling textures due to the loss of part of the arm, either in the surgical process, due to genetic malformation, or by accident. Mechanized prostheses still have a high value of market, which contribute to low purchasing power, making the acquisition of this type of material unfeasible. Based on this reality, the present work aims to improve mechanical prosthesis of the upper limb with anthropomorphic characteristics focusing on low financial cost. To this end, we sought to develop prosthesis composed of mechanical parts designed in simplify3D V4.1 software for printing on a 3D machine (Anet A8), whose modeling was performed by the Autodesk Inventor program (student version), also employing EMG and force sensors Strain Gauge, whose commands were programmed on a nano Arduino platform. The results showed that the EMG sensors capture the neural signals and route them to the nano arduino providing the opening of the fingers of the projected mechanism. The force sensors also presented the closing of the fingers in a satisfactory way. Therefore, the work was relevant for the social aspect, in the development of mechanical prosthesis with accessible values, not compared to the values practiced by the market. The importance of works of this nature demonstrate the results of interdisciplinary knowledge in engineering solutions under current demands in the presentation of viable alternatives that can be improved in future research and in the creation of products.