Mechatronic Structure for Forearm Prosthesis with Artificial Skin

The paper presents a mechatronic structure for an artificial hand that can be used in several types of prostheses, depending on performance/costs requirements. The data presented in the introductory section justify the importance of the research, since limb amputation is quantitatively significant among medical issues at the global level. The mechanical structure was realized through 3D printing, after it was designed with SolidWorks software package. For better operation flexibility and accuracy, haptic feedback was included using both pressure sensors and “artificial skin” made of Velostat. The motors that command the mobile elements are included in the empty space inside the hand, while the electronics (build around an Arduino board) is embedded in the forearm. The mechatronic structure is light, versatile and can be used in both myoelectric and neural prostheses. The main original contribution of the paper is the haptic feedback using both pressure sensors and Velostat. The work is a part of a multidisciplinary project that will use this structure in a neural prosthesis with neural bio-feedback.