Advanced Prosthetics

About

Background Proof of concept designs have shown that all of these features are possible and with some refinement can be made available to the public in the next few years. The proposed project is the development of a fully functional advanced prosthetic hand prototype based on the proof of concept prototype already developed. The new prototype will streamline the design and package the prosthetic hand so that it is robust enough to undergo substantial field testing. As well as being easily replicable for manufacturing purposes. The project involves the development of a fully functional advanced prosthetic hand prototype based on the proof of concept prototype already developed. The new prototype will streamline the design and package the prosthetic hand so that it is robust enough to undergo substantial field testing. As well as being easily replicable for manufacturing purposes. The advanced prosthetic hand has 3 core innovations: sensory feedback, advanced control and a low-cost, modular design approach. These three features will make ground breaking advancements in the field of advanced prosthetics. Proof of concept designs have shown that all of these features are possible and with some refinement can be made available to the public in the next few years. The product is a low cost, modular advanced prosthetic hand, with fully dexterous electromyography (EMG) controlled hands. The hand will have all the core features of any advanced prosthetic hand but in addition include the new sensory feedback system, capable of restoring a sense of touch to the amputee through their prosthesis. The prosthetic hand will also include an innovative control algorithm allowing the amputee to select from a large library of grip types and gestures without any need for manual configuration (unlike the currently available prostheses that require manual configuration when selecting more than the 2 standard grips). The prosthetic hands will be modular, allowing easy and affordable upgrades for the prosthetic hand to be purchased at a later point without the cost of having to buy an entire new hand. These new features make the prosthetic hand act and feel more real to the amputee while also reducing the huge price barrier inhibiting people from using this technology. Applications & Market Opportunities One of the main complaints made by amputees about their advanced prosthesis is that the control is very difficult (as they have no sensory feedback informing them how tightly they are gripping an object and can thus break delicate objects or drop heavier objects accidently). Users also speak about how they miss being able to touch and feel their environment, especially loved ones. Sensory restoration is lacking in contemporary prosthetics and can greatly improve the prosthetic experience of the amputees. Many amputees still use the old fashioned mechanically powered hooks as their prosthetic hand as they say that they cannot afford the advanced prostheses or that they find them too difficult to use. All of these problems are solved by our advanced prosthetic hand. The hand has sensory feedback allowing for more precise control on the prosthetic hand’s grip, as well as creating a sense of touch when interacting with the environment. The advanced features make it the most advanced prosthetic hand available, making it an appealing choice for upper income amputees as well. Our advanced prosthetic hand has 3 core innovations: sensory feedback, advanced control and a low-cost, modular design approach. These three features will make ground breaking advancements in the field of advanced prosthetics. e.g. The technology can be used to… ; applicable in the field of … Development status and market potential can be added as well More precise control on the prosthetic hand’s grip, Creating a sense of touch when interacting with the environment, Affordable. Stage of Development e.g Prototype IP Status Patent applied for but not yet granted/ Patent protection has already been established Collaboration Collaboration sought