Modeling and Prototyping of a Soft Prosthetic Hand Exploiting Joint Compliance and Modularity

Irfan Hussain, Zubair Iqbal, Monica Malvezzi, Lakmal Seneviratne, Dongming Gan, Domenico Prattichizzo

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

18 Scopus citations

Abstract

Losing an hand seizes nearly all principal activities of amputees life. However, with the development in the field of prosthesis, amputees can get back to normal life with use of simple yet functional prosthetic devices. In this study, we presents the design, model and 3D printed prototype of a tendon driven underactuated modular soft prosthetic hand. The proposed robotic hand is actuated using only one motor and a differential mechanism. The flexible fingers of the hand are built with stiff link connected with soft joints. Different stiffness of the soft joints can be set to follow the desired bending trajectory of the fingers. A mathematical representation to calculate the desired stiffness needed to follow the predefined trajectory of the finger is detailed. We also present a method to realize the computed stiffness through FDM 3D printer. The presented methodology is used to characterize the soft joints deformation and to realize prototype of the prosthetic hand. Finally, we presented electromyography (EMG) based control interface of hand prosthesis and experiments with activity daily objects consisting of grasping objects of various shapes, sizes and textures. The results showed the good grasping performance of the hand and its ability to adapt different shapes.

Original languageBritish English
Title of host publication2018 IEEE International Conference on Robotics and Biomimetics, ROBIO 2018
PublisherInstitute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Inc.
Pages65-70
Number of pages6
ISBN (Electronic)9781728103761
DOIs
StatePublished - 2 Jul 2018
Event2018 IEEE International Conference on Robotics and Biomimetics, ROBIO 2018 - Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Duration: 12 Dec 201815 Dec 2018

Publication series

Name2018 IEEE International Conference on Robotics and Biomimetics, ROBIO 2018

Conference

Conference2018 IEEE International Conference on Robotics and Biomimetics, ROBIO 2018
Country/TerritoryMalaysia
CityKuala Lumpur
Period12/12/1815/12/18

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