SAMARTH: AN ADVANCED BIOMECHATRONIC PROSTHETIC HAND WITH ENHANCED DEXTERITY, AFFORDABILITY, AND USER EXPERIENCE
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.53555/ephijse.v11i1.273Keywords:
Prosthetic Design, Biomechanics, Upper-Limb Prosthetics, Mechatronics, Prosthetic Hands, Pattern RecognitionAbstract
The development of prosthetic hands has evolved significantly over the past three decades, yet challenges remain in achieving optimal functionality, affordability, and user acceptance. This research paper presents the design and development of "SAMARTH," an advanced prosthetic hand that leverages biomechatronic and mechatronic principles to closely emulate the natural human hand in terms of both aesthetics and functionality. The prosthetic addresses critical issues such as high costs, limited functionality, and user discomfort associated with existing models.
SAMARTH integrates a lightweight design with an emphasis on biomimetic movement, incorporating a closed feedback loop system for enhanced sensory perception and control. The design process involved a comprehensive analysis of existing prosthetic hands, focusing on optimizing actuator systems to reduce complexity and weight while improving functional capabilities. The hand features a modular design, customizable appearance, and multiple control options, including electromyographic (EMG) sensors, voice recognition, and a touch screen LCD.
The hand's mechanical design replicates human anatomy with 27 degrees of freedom and utilizes innovative materials such as PLA+ for cost-effective production. Key features include sensory feedback mechanisms, varied grip patterns, and a customizable aesthetic to enhance user acceptance. SAMARTH aims to provide a practical, affordable solution for amputees, bridging the gap between high-end bionic limbs and accessible prosthetic technology. The paper discusses the challenges faced during development, including material availability and pandemic-related delays, and highlights how SAMARTH differentiates itself through its user-centric design and advanced features.
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