Embrace Myoelectric Prosthetic Hand

Embrace Myoelectric Prosthetic Hand

Embrace Myoelectric Prosthetic Hand is an innovative, anthropomorphic prosthetic device designed to provide advanced functionality and emotional connection for individuals with hand amputations, particularly targeting accessibility in developing nations. This groundbreaking prosthetic design, created by Cliff Shin in collaboration with Timothy Bretl, Aadeel Akhtar, and Patrick Slade, incorporates six degrees of freedom through five linear actuators and a servo mechanism, enabling natural hand movements including flexion, extension, and thumb opposition. The device features a sophisticated machine learning algorithm that interprets muscle signals through electrodes embedded in the socket, allowing users to perform various grip patterns such as hand open, close, fine pinch, and three-finger grasp. Distinguished by its unique assembly approach utilizing two-piece components and a four-bar linkage mechanism for finger joint coupling, the design prioritizes ease of manufacturing and user accessibility while maintaining anthropomorphic proportions of 260mm x 105mm x 25mm. The prosthetic hand incorporates an innovative emotional connection feature through a ring designed to fit the fourth finger, addressing both functional and psychological aspects of prosthetic use. This revolutionary design, which won the Silver A' Design Award in the Cybernetics, Prosthesis and Implant Design category, represents a significant advancement in accessible prosthetic technology, offering a cost-effective solution that can be produced using 3D printing and readily available components, making it particularly suitable for implementation in developing regions where traditional prosthetics may be cost-prohibitive.

myoelectric prosthetics, affordable medical devices, anthropomorphic design, assistive technology, neural control systems, prosthetic innovation

— Adam Dawson

CITATION : "Adam Dawson. 'Embrace Myoelectric Prosthetic Hand.' Design+Encyclopedia. https://design-encyclopedia.com/define/embrace-myoelectric-prosthetic-hand?E=447188 (Accessed on October 14, 2026)"