Prosthetic Robot Arm with Slippage Detection

This project presents the design of a robotic prosthetic arm specifically tailored for children aged 8 to 12 years, featuring one functional Degree of Freedom (DOF). Developed using the accessible and cost-effective technology of 3d printing, the prosthetic is lightweight and ergonomically designed to fit a child's developing body. This ensures maximum comfort and seamless daily integration, making the arm practical and user-friendly. The prosthetic arm incorporates an automatic grasping mechanism, enabling children to pick up objects with minimal effort or complex control. This feature directly enhances a child's ability to perform essential daily tasks such as eating, holding school supplies, or playing with toys, fostering a sense of independence and achievement. In addition, the arm features an advanced slippage detection system that continuously monitors the grasping force. If it detects a potential release or slippage of an object, the system instantly increases the gripping force to secure the object. This intelligent response mechanism empowers children to engage in daily activities confidently, without the constant worry of dropping items. Together, the arm's lightweight design, automatic grasping, and smart slippage detection work in harmony to provide a highly functional and reliable assistive device. These features not only support children in performing everyday activities independently but also help build their confidence and sense of normalcy. Experimental results demonstrate the arm's effectiveness in successfully grasping various objects and detecting slippage, with grasp retention rates improving from 50% to 100%. This innovative prosthetic has the potential to significantly improve the quality of life for children with upper limb differences, enabling active participation in their environment with confidence and ease.