Soft Robotic Prosthetic Hand

Project Scope

This project focuses on the design and development of a soft-robotic prosthetic hand utilizing elastomeric actuation and embedded control architecture to emulate natural hand motions. Supported by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the research advances soft-robotic systems for accessible and adaptive prosthetic applications.

The work emphasizes precision actuation, lightweight construction, and compliant material behavior to achieve human-like dexterity and safe interaction. The integrated system demonstrates enhanced mechanical performance, optimized electronics, and improved control responsiveness—contributing to the broader field of rehabilitation robotics and assistive technologies.

Highlights

• NIH-supported research in soft-robotic prosthetics and assistive manipulation

• Enhanced motion capability with high-fidelity actuation for grasping and gesture control

• Optimized control electronics and system integration for compact, modular design

• Finite element analysis (FEA) for actuator deformation and design optimization

• Comprehensive system documentation and reproducibility framework for continued development