MIPT: Prosthetic arm

2024: Product Announcement

On April 18, 2024, Russian specialists from the Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology (MIPT) announced the development of a mechanical traction prosthesis of the hand, for the functioning of which electricity is not required. The product allows you to hold heavy objects, carry things, as well as grip small objects such as cogs and matches.

It is noted that as of the specified date, the cost of a traction prosthesis of the forearm is on average 150 thousand rubles. The cost of manufacturing a means of functional rehabilitation of the brush is estimated at 120 thousand rubles. A new prosthesis developed by MIPT researchers costs less - about 90 thousand rubles. And when organizing mass production, it is expected that the price will decrease to 50 thousand rubles.

source = MIPT

The cost reduction was achieved thanks to the use of the 3D printing method. In addition, unlike traditional bionic prostheses with electronic components, the new traction device does not need a battery. This allows not only to reduce the cost of the structure, but also to make the prosthesis lighter and more comfortable. The product works due to the tension of the cables when bending the surviving joint of the injured limb. The stump is inserted into the sleeve and the traction lever is attached to the forearm. With flexion of the joint - the wrist or elbow - there is a grip.

The developers note that the production of the prosthesis without additive technologies takes a month. Using 3D printing, it was possible to reduce this period to 7 days. The new type of rehabilitation products are manufactured on two types of 3D printers - FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling), which prints with a plastic bar, and SLA (Stereolithography), which prints with a photopolymer. By the end of 2024, the project participants expect to produce one prosthesis per day.^[1]

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