Using 3D Printing Technology to Develop Electromyography Signals Based Prosthetic Arm

Abstract

Electromyography (EMG) which is one of the most common biomedical signals recorded from the human body muscle. It is used to detect the movements in the muscles using an algorithm known as human-machine interfacing (HMI), EMG is widely used in prosthetic arms by amputee individuals. However, both the prosthetic arm and the EMG signal recorders available in the market are costly. As in developing countries, more than 22% of people are below the poverty line and starting price of the commercial prosthetic arm is 500,000/-PKR which is very expensive for the people living in Pakistan who need an affordable prosthetic arm, in this project, the prosthetic arm design was designed and modified on -Computer- aided design (CAD) software and 3D printed using PLA (Polylactic Acid). The prosthetic arm was interfaced with EMG sensor by Arduino microcontroller. It was tested on an individual who was able to generate the movements through muscle contraction, which was detected by an EMG sensor. Therefore, the basic objective of developing a low-cost arm is achieved with the total expense of approx. Rs. 20,000/- (PKR) and the people who lost their limbs can use this 3D Printed prosthetic arm to improve their quality of life.