Modular Myo-Electric Prosthetic Hand |
Nuada is a collaborative project between myself, Brainchild, Electron Design and the NHS Royal Orthopaedic Hospital of Stanmore.
The initial brief was to improve the relationship between Myo-Electric prosthesis and amputees. Modern Myo-Electric prostheses work by EMG sensors that detect signals on the skin above a users residual muscle, these signals are translated into movements by the prosthetic. This type of prosthetic allows for greater range of motion compared to conventional body powered prosthesis. Myo-Electric prosthesis cost on average $30,000 this coupled with annual insurance caps of $3,000 makes it difficult for amputees to acquire such prosthetics. While their complexity and number of parts makes Myo-Electrics more prone to breaking, when broken the prosthetic must be sent back to the manufacture for repairs. Nuada is modular Myo-Electric prosthetic hand that tackles these problems by giving amputees the ability to replace broken fingers themselves, removing the need to send the hand back to the manufacturer. 3D printing the hand brings significant cost saving in low volume production, While also allowing the hand to be customised for the specific needs of a amputee, mirroring the residual limb. The challenges I faced while working on this project involved, interacting with at risk groups of people, such as amputees. While designing for amputees and understanding the literature around amputation, Myo-Electric control interfaces and relevant medical/ British standards. |