Active Wrist Joint for a Below-the-Elbow Forearm Prosthesis

Abstract

The field of bionic prostheses is a new, emerging field that offers to provide users with significant utility and mobility. This project aims to create an affordable, light-weight, open-source prosthetic hand-wrist system that has two degrees of freedom for a patient with a below-the-elbow amputation. These degrees of freedom include active flexion/extension and passive pronation/supination. The wrist is one of the least studied joints in the body, and is both extremely complex and delicate. Most modern industrial prostheses have limited wrist functionality that in most cases is limited to simple passive pronation/supination. This project would improve the quality of life of many people who use prostheses to fulfill their typical activities of daily living.