Low-cost wireless EMG-controlled prosthetic arm using 3D printing

Improving accessibility in low-resource environments necessitates the creation of cheap prosthetic limbs. A cheap, 3D-printed prosthetic limb controlled by a wireless electromyography (EMG) device is presented in this work. We used consumer-grade 3D printers and open-source CAD software to build the mechanical design, and we used ESP32 microcontrollers to wirelessly transmit surface EMG signals. The instinctive opening and shutting of the hands in reaction to muscular contractions were made possible by servo motors placed in the arm. When compared to wired systems, the wireless architecture improved user comfort, mobility, and reliability. A steady wireless connection within 5 meters, an average reaction time of 150-200 ms, and control accuracy of 93.3% and 86.7%, respectively, were all shown during experimental validation with healthy individuals and an amputee subject. Its affordability is demonstrated by the whole system cost of about ₹4000 (~$50). This wireless EMG-based prosthetic arm provides amputees with a practical, adaptable, and easily accessible option, according to the results.