A Neuroprosthetic is a prosthesis powered by thought; Signals are relayed from the brain to a brain computer interface and then to the prosthetic/robotic limb to generate movement. Our goal for this project is to create a non-invasive above-the-elbow arm prosthesis that is controlled through EEG signals to mimic the physiological functions of an actual arm.
In the United States, there are nearly 2 million people living with limb loss caused by cancer (less than 2%), trauma (45%), and vascular disease (54%) such as diabetes and peripheral arterial disease. Functional prostheses have been designed to enable amputees to perform tasks.
Existing Designs for arm amputations:
Improvements for above-elbow amputation device:
In the United States, there are nearly 2 million people living with limb loss caused by cancer (less than 2%), trauma (45%), and vascular disease (54%) such as diabetes and peripheral arterial disease. Functional prostheses have been designed to enable amputees to perform tasks.
Existing Designs for arm amputations:
- Mechanical: body powered prostheses require harness and prostheses are rigid
- Signals from muscle contraction: based mostly on electromyography (EMG) input
- Invasive: require implantations on spinal cord
- Require steep learning curve: Deka Arm upper limb prosthetic requires multiple user inputs to operate and complex algorithms for real time near normal motion
Improvements for above-elbow amputation device:
- User commands based on neural input (thought) and muscle movement (electromyography, EMG, signals)
- Use of hinge joints for fluid motion through linear actuators