Bionic limbs have evolved to suit a great variety of needs. From applications of power to dexterity, mechanical devices have begun to merge with the human body to help heal injuries in hundreds of people. An online simulator is sued to create a bionic arm and learn bout the basic components behind it.

1. Bionic Arm Design Process
First Semester Examination
Panayotis Manganaris

2. Creating a Bionic Arm
● Objective: Create a bionic arm which will succeed
in two, or more, out of four utility tests
– Discover the different components of robotic arms
● Budget
– $26,000

3. Choosing materials
Motors:
Electric actuators are inexpensive but inefficient
● Pneumatic actuators are light, but provide limited torque
● Miniature rocket motors provide heavy torque, but are very expensive
– Strength and the capacity to lift a weight is a limiting factor in daily
activity. Cost $15,000

4. Choosing materials
End Effectors:
A few different grippers were available as hands
● Electric hands are inexpensive but have limited dexterity.
● Bionic hands are life-like but limited in power.
– The lack of dexterity in other hands would be a persistent issue in
daily activity. Cost $10,000
● Miniature rocket motor hand is very strong, but limited in dexterity.

5. Choosing materials
Body/skin:
There were various materials suited to forming and protecting the electric
arm.
● Plastic is cost-effective but lacks durability.
– Lightweight plastic suits the arm. Fits in the budget: $1000
● Titanium is highly durable but expensive
● Carbon fiber is light-weight but could fatigue through constant usage.

6. Bionic Arm Final

7. Envelope Test
● Envelop Test failed due to short actuator, limited
range

8. Dexterity Test
Success

9. Weight Test
Success

10. Brick Wall Test
Success

11. Test Results Overview