Development of a Low Cost and Locally Sourced Functional Prosthetic Hand

Abstract:

The cost of prosthetics is a complex and multifaceted problem affecting individuals in need of these life-changing devices. Myoelectric prosthetics that can significantly improve the quality of life of individuals with upper limb amputations cost around $4000(6,105,000 naira) to $10,000(15,262,500 naira) for even the most basic models, this is a challenge for individuals in developing and underdeveloped countries as they cannot afford these prostheses. However, low-cost prosthetics are mostly non-functional with the functional prosthetic solutions having limited range of movement. Hence, the main objective of this research was to create a functional and affordable upper limb prosthetic device that can respond to muscle signals, enabling natural hand movement. Myoelectric prosthetic hands are artificial limbs controlled by electrical signals generated by the user's residual muscles. These signals are detected by electrodes placed on the skin and translated into movements by a microprocessor within the prosthesis. The myoelectric prosthetic was fabricated using 3D modeling, and the hand components were printed using poly-lactic acid (PLA) to address this issue. The design incorporated five individual fingers, each with multiple segments, to replicate the structure of the human hand. Servo motors were strategically positioned to actuate the finger movements based on myoelectric signals captured by surface electrodes placed on the user’s forearm. The electrical system consisted of an Arduino nanomicrocontroller, an electromyography (EMG) sensor, and various power management components. Calibration procedures were implemented to establish appropriate thresholds for distinguishing between hand movements, such as palm open and grab. The system allows for wider range of movement due to its 5 DOFs (degree of freedom). The system and it also exhibits an average response speed of 1.845 seconds. This cost-effective prosthetic hand would improve the quality of life for amputees and also increase accessibility and affordability to amputees, generally impacting health globally. This design breaks new grounds in low-cost prosthetics by focusing on the use of locally sourced materials and functional control system for the movement of the hand through the use of a simple 3-D printing technology and easily accessible materials precisely assembled together to replace the complex and expensive ones in the market.

• Periodical: Journal of Biomimetics, Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering (Volume 70)
• Pages: 89-108
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.4028/p-Je4oha
• Online since: January 2026
• Authors: Jesubori W. Sojobi*, Ashley I. Echegile, Oluwatomilope G. Jimoh, Sunday Olayinka Oyedepo, Ojo Sunday Isaac Fayomi
• Keywords: 3D Printing, Assistive Technology, Locally Sourced, Low Cost, Myoelectric, Prosthetic Hand

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