Novel Grasping Mechanisms of 3D‐Printed Prosthetic Hands

Abstract

There are millions of amputees worldwide, and amputation has significantly affected their lives. People with hand losses have difficulties performing the activities of daily living (ADLs). Prosthetic hands have been developed to perform the functions of a human hand by grasping various objects. However, mimicking the actual grasping function of a human hand is still an unresolved research topic. Researchers continue to improve the functionality of hand prostheses to create more efficient and closer to human motion. Herein, the current challenges and approaches for enhancing the grasping function of 3D‐printed hand prostheses are investigated. Three technology sectors are discussed for the efficient grasping motion of hand prosthetics: 1) how to recognize the user's desired grasping gestures by sensing systems; 2) how to power the prosthesis for grasping objects through different actuation systems; and 3) how to perform the grasping motion by 3D design and mechanisms. This article reviews valuable information regarding the current innovations toward improving prosthetic hands’ grasping function to help researchers design more functional hand prostheses.

Keywords

• grasping forces
• grasping patterns
• prosthesis actuators
• prosthetic hands
• tactile sensing
• 3D printing