Motorised bionic arms using SSVEP with enhanced hand gesture accuracy and reliability

The development of motorised bionic arms has been a significant focus in prosthetics. This study explored the design and implementation of a motorised bionic arm, with particular emphasis on enhanced hand gesture accuracy and reliability. Initially, the functional circuit and algorithm were designed, followed by the development of a motorised framework to control a 3D-printed real-time bionic arm, utilising steady state visually evoked potential (SSVEP) stimuli. The system's effectiveness was evaluated through accuracy and reliability tests on repeatability of gestures such as hand open, hand close, thumb up, and pointing, induced by four flickering frequencies between the range of (10–20 Hz). Findings revealed a mean accuracy of 97.5%, with individual accuracy rates ranging from 88.75% to 100%. Over the 30 tests, average angles were 168.8° (pointing), 169° (thumb up), 174.5° (open), and 132.17° (close), demonstrating consistent performance. These results contribute valuable insights into the design, control, and evaluation of motorised prosthetic devices, providing users with a more intuitive and reliable means of restoring hand functionality.