Design of an electromechanical prosthetic finger using shape memory alloy wires

Abstract

This research concerns the design and prototyping of an artificial middle finger, using Shape Memory Alloys (SMAs), PolyLactic Acid (PLA), and other technologies. The design is a biomimicry of the human biological anatomical and muscular systems. After briefly describing the operational features and functioning of natural striated muscles, the document reviews the features, advantages and disadvantages of SMAs in the perspective of their use as an actuator of a prosthetic finger. Using different design parameters, such as the lightness of the device, actuation complexity, and resilience, a working prototype is proposed meeting the established criteria.