Bionic arm is an artificial device which replaces the lost arms of physically challenged persons to gain back some of its functions. Present bionic arms are controlled by ElectroMyoGraphy (EMG) signals. These devices are rejected by many due to the cost, weight, less Degree Of Freedom (DOF) and mainly because of the invasive procedures used to obtain better signals. This incorporates fear in amputees. Rehabilitation proves to be more challenging for the amputees who have lost their arm functionalities. The need for a simpler approach to interpret signals and control the bionic arm is necessary. This work focuses on a cost effective design and development of bionic arm control systems, which requires less rehabilitation, and is capable of providing multi DOF.
A prototype model is developed for a cost of 8000 INR which is cost effective and the fabrication cost of the modeled mechanical arm along with the control system cost upto 15, 000 INR which is less expensive and affordable than that of the EMG based arm which costs around 8 lakhs. The control system developed is capable of providing more than 10 DOF. These control systems can be used independently or collectively as per the requirements of the amputees. The other advantages of the system being developed are it is simple, requires less rehabilitation time and procedures. The wiring harnesses are reduced on both the transmitter and receiver blocks by sending the signals wirelessly.
System Engineering, Multi-DOF, Bionic Arm, Control Systems, EMG
