Creates IPN prototype robotic arm prosthesis

• April 26, 2024

The National Polytechnic Institute (IPN) works in the development of a robotic prosthesis for people amputated above the elbow, which is designed with modern actuators that allow to execute movements with a high level of naturalness, through the electrical signals generated by the contraction of the muscles .

The prototype, capable of supporting a weight of up to 10 kilograms distributed throughout the prosthesis , was developed by the student of the Interdisciplinary Professional Unit of Engineering and Advanced Technologies (UPIITA), Juan Ramón Mendoza Molina, with the purpose of contributing to improve the quality of life of people with amputation of any of the Superior limbs .

To fabricate the prosthesis, explained the student of the IPN, the first step was to design the computer, in order to calculate with a high degree of accuracy the movements, the load it can support and the compliance with anthropometric measurements.

"The prosthesis was made with an aluminum alloy type 6061 and thanks to the knowledge acquired throughout the career of Bionic Engineering, I was able to develop the prototype that with a weight of 1.5 kilograms will allow to perform daily tasks to the patients that require, "said Mendoza Molina.

Five engines

He explained that the prosthesis it works through five engines . "It uses two servomotors and three gearmotors, by means of which it executes three displacements: flexion-extension of the elbow and pronation-supination of the wrist, as well as opening and closing stepped fingers to make pressure and hold objects."

The contraction of the fingers It is made by steel ropes connected to the servomotors and also has springs that allow the fingers to return to their original position, he said.

Mendoza Molina pointed out that for the moment prosthesis It works by means of a voltage source, but later it will be adapted to another type of long-lasting energy source, which will be located inside the prosthesis like all the mechanisms.

"The mobility of the fingers is very similar to the natural, so it is possible for the person to perform activities that require fine motor skills, including writing, since the movement to make precise strokes starts from the movement of the shoulder," he added.

The young researcher specified that the prosthesis will be adapted in the socket of the stump, so that the electrodes capture the electrical activity at the level of the skin when a muscle contraction is made. "The hand will open, close and rotate in response to the electrical activity generated through the muscle contractions ”.

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