This SBIR Phase II project continued the development of the PSYONIC Ability Hand, a robust, anthropomorphic bionic hand that was the first to provide upper limb sensory feedback to users. Functionality and comfort are critical to mitigating prosthesis abandonment, and while the Ability Hand is a high performance prosthetic device that is both lightweight and durable, we recognized there would remain a gap in usage if users could not wash the hand or expose it to moisture, nor if users could not reliably grasp delicate objects. Moreover, in an ever-advancing digital world, technology must keep pace with the developing avenues that enable people to have ease of access and streamlined experiences. Therefore, through this awarded project, we successfully waterproofed and dustproofed the hand for safe hand washing and substance exposure, fine-tuned contact reflexes with pressure sensing capabilities that enable users to hold objects as fragile as an eggshell, and created a phone application to empower users, as well as enhance clinician and user collaboration, with the capability to customize their Ability Hand’s control systems and feedback intensity. 

Through these innovations, the Ability Hand offers not only sensory feedback for an augmented interaction with the tangible world, but added finger pressure sensors with contact reflexes as well as waterproofing further reduce barriers for people with upper limb differences and facilitate the human experience. The app has also enabled users to tailor their Ability Hand to personal specifications, which has helped patients attain better functionality with their prosthetic device, and provides clinicians with proper prosthesis control as they fit their patients. Through their phone, users can select specific default grips in a 4-grip cycle, configure the hand to work with third party control systems, specify if they want single electrode or dual-electrode utilization for single or direct muscle control, and train through the software by opening and closing grips. We concluded the project period with home trials to provide users with the opportunity to comfortably and naturally test the hand while performing everyday tasks, and deliver authentic feedback. All modifications suggested by the users were implemented, including software updates, thumb durability, and finger maneuverability, wherein 100% of tested users reported being satisfied with the product and wanted to keep their Ability Hand. The Ability Hand’s technological and cost advantages over other state-of-the-art prosthetic devices accomplish an impressive versatility that has bridged the long-existing gaps in capability for people with upper limb differences. 

Last Modified: 07/22/2024
Modified by: Aadeel Akhtar