Low-cost and lightweight functional prosthesis considering functionality and design

2015 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 25871200
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Young Scientists (B)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Research Field: Rehabilitation science/Welfare engineering; Intelligent mechanics/Mechanical systems
• Research Institution: Nara Institute of Science and Technology
• Principal Investigator: Yoshikawa Masahiro 奈良先端科学技術大学院大学, 情報科学研究科, 助教 (40584511)
• Project Period (FY): 2013-04-01 – 2016-03-31
• Keywords: 義手 / 3Dプリンタ

Outline of Final Research Achievements

We developed a low-cost and lightweight electric prosthesis with three opposed fingers considering functionality and design. A simple mechanism to control fingers by a linear actuator contributes to satisfactory workability, lightweight, and low cost. A control system using an inexpensive distance sensor allows intuitive operability as the myoelectric sensor at low cost. A socket is easily removable so that users can wear properly as the situation demands. It has a sophisticated appearance as a tool and can be produced by a 3D printer. The total weight of the hand and socket is 300 g. Evaluation tests utilizing Southampton Hand Assessment Procedure (SHAP) demonstrated that developed prosthesis was effective to operate light objects for daily use.

Free Research Field

福祉工学