Design of an Arduino-based platform interfaced by Bluetooth low energy with Myo armband for controlling an under-actuated transradial prosthesis

Abstract

In this research work a brief overview on the latest advancements in upper-limb prosthetic technology is presented; these mainly derive from the advantages offered by increasingly smart and high-performances electronic devices and modules, which nowadays are commercially available at very low costs. Then the electronics of Adam's Hand, a transradial myoelectric prosthesis for upper-limb amputees, is described. The device is equipped with sensors and actuators that simplify and aid the hand movements; in particular, the mechanism on which it is based can actuate 15 degrees of freedom with just one motor (instead of the five/six motors conventionally used in other commercially available prosthetic devices). Two servomotors are used to actuate the wrist movements. The myoelectric signals used to control the prosthesis are detected through the Myo armband, which integrates eight Electromyography (EMG) electrodes and an Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) based on InvenSense MPU-9150 IC; all these data are sent by Myo armband through BLE protocol to the realized control electronics which actuates the used motors.