This document presents a research proposal for designing and fabricating a lightweight and comfortable prosthetic arm. The objectives are to develop an adaptable grip mechanism, create an affordable prosthetic arm with optimal degrees of freedom, integrate feedback systems, innovate socket design, and explore alternative mechanisms. A literature review found that existing prosthetics have predefined grips, high costs, weight issues, and lack feedback. The methodology will develop the design, fabricate a prototype, and test it. The significance is that it could enhance prosthetic accessibility and functionality to positively impact users' lives.

1. 10/11/2023
DESIGN AND FABRICATION OF LIGHTWEIGHT
AND COMFORTABLE PROSTHETIC ARM
Student Name: Haider Sajjad Khan
Muhammad Abdullah
Registration No: 200501071
200501048
Supervisor: Dr. Usman Ghafoor
Co-supervisor: Dr. Muhammad Umer
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2. Introduction
• A prosthetic arm is an artificial device designed to replace a missing part of a hand, typically
lost due to trauma, disease, or congenital conditions. It aims to replicate natural hand
functions.
• The human nervous system, consisting of the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves,
plays a crucial role in controlling hand movements. Control signals for the hand originate in
the brain and travel through nerves to stimulate hand muscles.
• Prosthetic arms are controlled using brain signals associated with hand movements. These
signals are captured through various methods to enable intuitive control of the prosthetic
arm.
• Electromyography (EMG) is a vital electro-diagnostic medical system used to assess and
record electrical activities in skeletal muscles. It helps analyze muscle functionality, detect
medical deformities, determine stimulation levels, and study the biomechanics of movement.
• EMG signals, acquired from the muscle surface, are recognized as valuable control signals
for prosthetic devices. Researchers recommend using EMG signals to control prosthetic
arms, allowing users to achieve natural and precise movements.
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3. Literature Review
Year of
publication
Authors Title Summary
2018 Md. Raju Ahmed
Rupayan Halder
Muslim Uddin
Palash ch. Mondal
Ashish Kumar Karmaker
Prosthetic Arm Control Using
Electromyography (EMG)
Signal
This paper shows how EMG signals
control prosthetic arms, tested on
people with upper arm amputation.
Their smart method figures out each
person's control needs, making EMG
signals useful in robotics, rehab, and
healthcare beyond just prosthetic
arms.
2020 Josue Fuentes-
Gonzalez
Andres Infante-Alarcon
Victor Asanza
Francis R. Loayza
A 3D-Printed EEG based
Prosthetic Arm
This functional prosthesis’s utility
based on EEG signals is suitable for
upper limb amputee people, especially
for those who cannot obtain a reliable
EMG signal due to the injury severity.
In this way, the device provides
comfort, ease of use, simplicity, and
omission of multiple cables and
sensors attached to the body
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4. Year of
publication
Authors Title Summary
2023 Devika Ghadage
Rutu Bagde
Dr. Swati Jha
Chaitali Barhate
Mohini Dhadi
A Review On Current
Technological Advancements
In Prosthetic Arms
The paper stresses realistic, functional
prosthetic hands resembling natural
ones. It reviews global prosthetic hand
types, showcasing advanced models
like BeBionic and i-Limb, but cost
remains a significant barrier for most
users.
2018 P. Visconti
F. Gaetani
G. A. Zappatore
P. Primiceri
Technical Features and
Functionalities of Myo
Armband: An Overview on
Related Literature and
Advanced Applications of
Myoelectric Armbands
Mainly Focused on Arm
Prostheses
This research explores Myo armband's
potential for human-machine
interaction, particularly in healthcare
like upper-limb prosthetics, due to its
advanced features. They present
Adam's Hand, a myoelectric
prosthesis controlled via Myo
armband, demonstrating its reliability
and cost-effectiveness for practical
applications.
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02/10/2023
Literature Review

5. Year of
publication
Authors Title Summary
2013 Joseph T. Belter
Jacob L. Segil
Aaron M. Dollar
Richard F. Weir
Mechanical design and
performance specifications of
anthropomorphic prosthetic
hands: A review
This article compiles key mechanical
specifications and performance
measures for different prosthetic
hands, emphasizing trade-offs in
design complexity, dexterity, weight,
and control methods. It advocates for
standardized clinical performance
standards to enhance the effectiveness
and adoption of prosthetic hand
designs.
Literature Review
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6. Research Gap + Problem statement
From previous slides and literature review we concluded that :
• In existing prosthetic arms, they have pre-defined grip pattern and it was not feasible
for the user to do variety of tasks efficiently.
• The already developed prosthetic arms are either too much expensive with multiple
DOF or a cheaper one with less DOF.
• They are heavy in weight which produces anxiety in the end users and it is hard to
carry them for longer duration.
• The prosthetic arms present in market lack in feedback system.
• The existing socket designs in prosthetic arms and their fabrication often fall short in
delivering a comfortable fit for the user.
• Many prosthetic arms predominantly utilize joint-linked mechanisms for their
functionality.
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7. Research Objectives
• Develop adaptable grip mechanism for versatile task performance.
• Create a cost-effective prosthetic arm with optimal Degrees of Freedom
(DOF).
• Design a lightweight and ergonomic prosthetic arm for prolonged use.
• Integrate real-time feedback systems to enhance user control.
• Innovate socket design for personalized, comfortable fit.
• Explore alternative mechanisms like artificial tendons for improved
functionality.
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8. Methodology
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9. Work plan+ Gantt Chart
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10. Significance
Significance and area of application:
• Enhancing comfort, functionality, and accessibility of prosthetic arm to positively impact
users' daily lives.
• Relevant to prosthetics, healthcare, rehabilitation, and occupational settings, catering to a
diverse range of users and needs.
• Pushing boundaries by addressing limitations in current prosthetic technology, driving
innovation and societal progress.
National Need and Institutional/Individual Significance:
• Addressing disparities in accessible and affordable prosthetic solutions nationwide.
• Enhancing the institution's reputation and research excellence through cutting-edge
prosthetic technology.
• Fostering independence and confidence, significantly impacting the lives of individuals with
limb loss.
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11. Sustainable Development Goals
Environment:
• Highlighting eco-friendly materials and energy-efficient processes in prosthetic arm
production.
• Emphasizing adherence to environmental regulations for responsible manufacturing.
• Promoting awareness and education for sustainable practices within the prosthetic industry.
SDGs:
• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and infrastructure
• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
• SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
• SDG 4: Quality Education
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12. 02/10/2023 12
COST
Equipment Cost (PKR)
Waterproof servo motors (6) 20000
DC coreless motor 3000
Nylon Threads/Fishing Line 1000
Wrist motor 7000-12000
Linkages 5000
3D printing 15000
Material cost 15000-20000
Battery pack 15000
Arduino controller 5000
EMG muscle sensor 8000
Miscellaneous cost 11000
Total estimated cost ~ 100000

13. 10/11/2023
THANK YOU FOR YOUR
ATTENTION
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