The primary purpose of an arm prosthetic is to mimic the appearance and replace the function of a missing limb. While a single prosthetic that achieves both a natural appearance and extreme functionality would be ideal, most artificial limbs that exist today sacrifice some degree of one for the other. As such, there is a wide spectrum of specialized prosthetics that range from the purely cosmetic (which are inert) to the primarily functional (whose appearance is obviously mechanical). Myoelectric prosthetics are an attempt to serve both purposes of an artificial limb equally, without sacrificing appearance for functionality.
Functional arm prosthetics can be broadly categorized into two camps: body-powered and externally-powered prosthetics. Body-powered prosthetics use cables and harnesses strapped to the individual to mechanically maneuver the artificial limb through muscle, shoulder, and arm movement. While they are highly durable, they often sacrifice a natural appearance for moderate functionality. As well, though the user experiences direct control and feedback through its mechanical operation, the process can be fatiguing. Externally-powered artificial limbs are an attempt to solve this physical exertion through using a battery and an electronic system to control movement. At the forefront of this technology is the myoelectric prosthetic.
Myoelectric prosthetics have a number of advantages over body-powered prosthetics. Since it uses a battery and electronic motors to function, the myoelectric artificial limb does not require any unwieldy straps or harnesses to function. Instead, it is custom made to fit and attach to the remaining limb (whether above the elbow or below) with maximum suspension using suction technology. Once it is attached, the prosthetic uses electronic sensors to detect minute muscle, nerve, and EMG activity. It then translates this muscle activity (as triggered by the user) into information that its electric motors use to control the artificial limbs movements. The end result is that the artificial limb moves much like a natural limb, according the mental stimulus of the user. The user can even control the strength and speed of the limb’s movements and grip by varying his or her muscle intensity. As well, the acute sensors and motorized controls enable greater dexterity, even allowing the manipulation and use of small items like keys or credit cards through functioning fingers. In addition to this extreme functionality, the myoelectric artificial limb needs not sacrifice any of its cosmetic appearance. The most advanced versions of these prosthetics are incredibly natural and on par with purely cosmetic limbs.
The primary disadvantages of this kind of prosthetic are currently their weight and cost. Their heavy weight is primarily due to the fact that the myoelectric artificial limb contains a battery and motor inside, and unlike the body-powered prosthetic, it does not use any harnesses to counter-balance the weight across the body. This is an admitted trade-off for a more natural appearance. As well, as the technology develops, the weight of each component will eventually become lighter and less of a problem. The other disadvantage of myoelectrics is the cost. While it is currently more expensive than other kinds of prosthetics, it also offers the best quality in regard to both cosmetics and functionality. Like the problem of weight, it is estimated that the cost will eventually diminish as the technology becomes cheaper to reproduce.
Fox news followup to the above video
Here is some more information about this project. Comparing a 3d printed hand to a much more expansive myoelectric one.
When I started this website, it seemed like expensive high tech myoelectric devices were going to be the future. Now it seems that low cost, quickly customizable 3d printed prosthetics are actually the thing that makes sense! There are many resources that will help you or a loved one get a very low cost upper arm prosthetic. Here are a few:
