MIT Engineers Collaborated on an Inflatable Robotic Prosthetic Hand
Elena Rahman — August 26, 2021 — Tech
Engineers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Shanghai Jiao Tong University created an inflatable robotic prosthetic hand. This breakthrough technology is a neuroprosthetic, meaning it picks up on residual muscle signals to perform the intended motions. Things like pouring a carton of milk or zipping a suitcase shut are made possible with this mind-controlled hand.
Typically, neuroprosthetic limbs are heavy and pricey. The inflatable hand, however, is soft, light, and relatively affordable. Amputees can perform four different grip types while wearing the inflatable hand, from pinching to cupping the palm. The hand is made from elastomer EcoFlex fingers attached to a 3D-printed palm. The user wears a small pump and valves at the waist to position the fingers as desired.
Image Credit: MIT / Shanghai Jiao Tong University
Typically, neuroprosthetic limbs are heavy and pricey. The inflatable hand, however, is soft, light, and relatively affordable. Amputees can perform four different grip types while wearing the inflatable hand, from pinching to cupping the palm. The hand is made from elastomer EcoFlex fingers attached to a 3D-printed palm. The user wears a small pump and valves at the waist to position the fingers as desired.
Image Credit: MIT / Shanghai Jiao Tong University
Trend Themes
1. Inflatable Neuroprosthetic Limbs - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop a line of inflatable, mind-controlled prosthetic limbs that are more affordable and practical for amputees.
2. Soft Robotics - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Expand the use of soft robotics to create more lightweight, durable, and adaptable devices for various industries.
3. Mind-controlled Medical Devices - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Explore the potential of mind-controlled medical devices to improve the quality of life for patients with disabilities or injuries.
Industry Implications
1. Medical Devices - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop cutting-edge medical devices that are more accessible, convenient, and comfortable for patients.
2. Robotics - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Continue advancing the field of robotics to create more sophisticated, efficient, and versatile machines.
3. 3D Printing - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Utilize 3D printing to improve the design, production, and customization of medical devices and prosthetics.
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