Soft Low-Cost Additively Manufactured Bionic Arm Prosthetic - 1. Name and address of SBC. Advanced Life Technologies LLC, 2062 Alameda Padre Serra #101, Santa Barbara, CA 93103 2. Name and title of the principal investigator. Dr. Jonathon Barton, Senior Scientist 3. Agency name: Administration for Community Living, CFDA number (93.433), SBIR Phase II 4. Title of project. Soft, Low-Cost, Additively Manufactured Bionic Arm Prosthetic 5. Technical Abstract: Advanced Life Technologies LLC is developing a prototype of a soft, Additively Manufactured bionic arm in this two-year Phase II project. Despite significant advances in prosthetic technology, studies indicate a high percentage of users abandon their prosthetics. The goal is to reduce abandonment and evaluate the feasibility of developing a low-cost (~$1K) soft biomimetic arm prosthetic. Our objectives include utilizing a biomimetic approach with embedded miniaturized sensors and indicators, as well as a novel low-cost multi-material additive manufacturing process to realize embedded strain sensors and lifelike tissue simulants in the palm. We are also developing color-matched tissue materials that provide highly realistic texturing similar to human skin. In Phase II, measurable characteristics will be evaluated, including grip force, grasp speed, durability, size, weight, and more sophisticated usability evaluations. The Phase II process will involve multiple design/evaluation iterations driven by feedback from amputee perspectives. 6. Summary of the anticipated results and implications of the approach (and the potential commercial applications of the research. We see the proposed technology as a paradigm shift, with significant impact and anticipated positive outcomes for the upper extremity amputee population related to cost reduction, improved aesthetics (realism/lifelike, improved feel, comfort, and ability to match skin color), robustness, higher functionality, dexterity, and ease of use. Furthermore, miniaturized sensors and direct printing of embedded tactile sensors will provide feedback to support functional capacity, for instance, fast closing time, multitasking, and reduced mental fatigue. We anticipate high commercial interest in highly integrated prosthetics that are cost-effective. The anticipated product from Phase II is a modular, highly realistic below-elbow forearm/hand biomimetic prosthetic with novel AI capabilities, suitable for helping amputees integrate into society and promote independent community living and participation.
