PNIPU: Bionic prosthetic human arm

The main articles are:

• Bionic prostheses
• 3D printing in medicine

2025: Human Bionic Hand Prototype Announcement

On February 3, 2025, the press service of PNIPU announced that a student of the Perm Polytechnic University had developed a prototype of a bionic human hand.

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Фото: PNIPU

As reported, as of January 2025, the development of bionic prosthetics allows almost complete restoration of human functionality after the loss of a limb. Thanks to the maximum adjustment of the device to the user, it makes it possible to fully rehabilitate and cope with tasks that would not be available when wearing ordinary prostheses. But due to the high cost of their serial production with bionic prostheses, a very small number of disabled people are provided. This especially affects people of working age who, with their help, could return to their jobs. The creation of a domestic device that restores the lost functions of the limb will fill their deficit among the Russian population.

A student at Perm Polytechnic University is developing a bionic prosthetic human arm using 3D printing technology. A prototype product is already ready, capable of performing compressive movements and imitating tactile sensations. The study was conducted as part of the Priority 2030 strategic academic leadership program.

People who have lost a limb can replace it with either a cosmetic prosthesis that only mimics the outer shell, or mechanical, which has minimal functionality and is controlled by the efforts of the person himself. In contrast, bionic prostheses are controlled by human electronics and biotechnology. With the signal that arises from muscle contraction, information is transmitted to the microprocessor, as a result of which the prosthesis performs a certain gesture or grip. The active introduction of such devices into the masses is limited due to the high labor intensity and cost of materials and production.

Thanks to additive technologies, it is possible to recreate a product of any complexity in a short time and at a much lower cost. 3D printing consists in layer-by-layer deposition of metal or polymer on top of each other according to a pre-developed model. As of January 2025, such technology is widespread mechanical engineering in other industries, industries but in the field of prosthetics it showed itself relatively recently.

A student of the Perm Polytechnic University is developing a bionic prosthetic arm using a software and hardware platform and a 3D printer. The finished prototype is printed in plastic and contains light drives that set the fingers of the hand in motion, buttons and a bracelet with a vibration motor to simulate tactile sensations, and also electromyography sensors that determine electrical impulses from muscle contraction.

The Arduino platform allows you to create various electronic devices in the field of robotics and automation. It is based on a microcontroller - a miniature computer with its own processor, memory and peripherals, which controls all the actions of the device, receiving data from sensors. According to the developer, such a platform was chosen due to its prevalence, the availability of components, as well as the variety of software.

Wires with electrodes are drawn from electromyogram sensors located in a separate case, which are attached to a person's hand. After processing the received pulses, the microcontroller starts servo drives that drive the fingers of the prosthesis. And the buttons installed in them, when pressed, trigger vibration in the bracelet, thereby signaling a touch on the object. Also, a button is installed in the case to switch the mode of operation of the prosthesis: the first drives the entire brush, the second starts only the index finger and thumb. explained by Andrey Syrvachev, student of the Department of Information Technologies and Automated Systems, PNIPU

The developed prototype corresponds to the set tasks: it partially replenishes the functions of the human brush and simulates tactile sensations. Further refinement of the prosthesis and its implementation as a finished product is of undoubted interest not only in terms of the creation and introduction of bionic technologies, but also in the development of 3D printing capabilities. shared Elena Krotova, Associate Professor of the Department of Higher Mathematics, PNIPU, Candidate of Physical and Mathematical Sciences

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Фото: PNIPU

In the future, I would like to optimize the body of the prosthesis, make its design more ergonomic. Also, replace electromyography sensors with a neural interface to receive more accurate signals from directly from the brain. I see the final version of the prosthesis as completely ready for use after production, a light and autonomous product. told Andrey Syrvachev

The work of a student at the Perm Polytechnic University shows the potential for the growth of domestic prosthetics. Simple and affordable technology for creating functional prostheses will allow people with disabilities to return to a full life, including workplaces.