Health and Behavior: Soft Sensors and Actuators for Wearables to Assist People with Disabilities

REU Mentor: Erik Engeberg, Ph.D.

REU Scholar: Jocelyn Daniel

REU Scholar Home Institution: University of Central Florida

Project: Pediatric Prosthetic Arm with Sensor Implementation for Children with Upper Limb Deficiencies

REU Mentor: Erik Engeberg, Ph.D.

REU Scholar: Daniela Delgado

REU Scholar Home Institution: Middlebury College

Project: Pediatric Prosthetic Arm with Sensor Implementation for Children with Upper Limb Deficiencies

The goal of this project is to create a pediatric-sized bionic arm with a takktile sensor on the fingertip to help amputee children. The purpose of this project is to create a wearable device that is non-invasive, or a device that does not require surgical implementation. There are many wearable robotic devices that have been created in order to help children with congenital limb loss, but not many are non-invasive and able to detect touch at affordable costs. This two-person project attempts to make it a possibility. One participant works on the fabrication of the bionic arm with the use of 3D printing and modifies the finger to be able to hold the sensor. Furthermore, their assignment will consist of making the silicone molding for the sensor in order for it to be placed on the fingertip. The other participant will work with the takktile sensor to understand its wiring connection. With this understanding, they will be able to wire a sensor to detect and collect voltage readings. Then, they will execute programming code to transform the voltage findings to pressure readings from the sensor. Together, the participants will make sure the wearable device will be effective and usable, and the sensor readings are accurate when detecting pressure. Under the supervision of Dr. Engeberg and Dr. Hallstrom, the construction of the hand and the implementation of the sensor on the fingertip will be united into a functional device to be able to help pediatric amputee patients. This is important as not only will it be able to better the life of young children, but it will also be economically affordable with the use of 3D printing. Since PLA, the material used to 3D print, is biodegradable, this prosthetic arm is also the most environmentally friendly option.