Revolutionizing Prosthetics: A Low-Cost, Mind-Controlled Arm Empowers Amputees

by Rosa April 16, 2021

written by Rosa April 16, 2021

Mind-Controlled Prosthetic Arm: A Low-Cost and Accessible Solution

Background

Ten years ago, Benjamin Choi was fascinated by a documentary about a mind-controlled prosthetic arm. He was amazed by the technology but concerned about its high cost and invasive nature.

Inspiration and Innovation

When the pandemic hit in 2020, Choi, a tenth grader, found himself with ample free time. Inspired by the documentary he had seen years earlier, he decided to build a less-invasive and more affordable prosthetic arm.

Using his sister’s 3-D printer and some fishing line, Choi independently designed and built the first version of his robotic arm. It used brain wave data and head gestures to control its movements.

Advancements and Refinements

After more than seventy-five design iterations, Choi’s prosthetic arm is now made from engineering-grade materials and driven by artificial intelligence (A.I.). It operates using an algorithm that interprets a user’s brain waves, allowing them to control the arm with their thoughts.

The arm, which costs around $300 to manufacture, is a fraction of the cost of other advanced prosthetics. It uses electroencephalography (EEG) to avoid the need for invasive brain surgery.

AI and Machine Learning

Choi’s A.I. model, embedded in the prosthetic arm, deciphers brain wave data and converts it into predictions of the user’s intended movements. The arm also responds to head gestures and intentional blinks.

To create his A.I. model, Choi worked with adult volunteers, collecting their brain wave data and training the model to distinguish between different brain signals. The model continuously learns from a user’s brain waves, improving its accuracy over time.

Impact and Potential

Choi’s invention has earned him recognition and awards, including a spot in the top 40 finalists of the Regeneron Science Talent Search. It has the potential to revolutionize the field of prosthetics and assistive devices.

Applications Beyond Prosthetics

Choi believes his brain wave interpretation algorithm could have applications beyond prosthetics. It could be used to control wheelchairs, assistive devices, and communication devices for patients with ALS.

Future Plans

Choi plans to study engineering in college and continue improving his prosthetic arm. He aims to conduct clinical studies with patients with upper-limb losses and explore the algorithm’s potential in other applications.

Conclusion

Benjamin Choi’s mind-controlled prosthetic arm is a testament to the power of innovation, engineering, and the human spirit. Its low cost, non-invasive nature, and potential applications make it a promising solution for amputees and individuals with disabilities.

Rosa

Rosa is a distinguished software engineer whose passion for science and technology was kindled in her early childhood. Growing up in a household where academic curiosity was nurtured, Rosa was deeply influenced by her father, a dedicated physics professor. After long days at the university, her father would come home and engage Rosa in a world of scientific exploration, guiding her through various experiments and fostering a profound love for the intricacies of the physical world. From a young age, Rosa was captivated by the endless possibilities that science presented. She spent countless hours conducting experiments and learning the fundamental principles of physics. This early exposure to scientific inquiry not only honed her analytical skills but also instilled in her a relentless curiosity and a passion for problem-solving. Rosa's academic journey led her to pursue a degree in Computer Science, where she excelled in her studies, driven by the same enthusiasm that had characterized her childhood experiments. She graduated with honors, earning a Bachelor's degree from a prestigious university. Her academic achievements were marked by numerous accolades and scholarships, reflecting her dedication and exceptional talent in the field. In her professional career, Rosa has made significant contributions to the tech industry. She has worked for several leading technology companies, where she has been instrumental in developing innovative software solutions that have had a substantial impact on various sectors. Her expertise lies in designing and implementing complex algorithms, optimizing system performance, and ensuring the reliability and scalability of software applications. Beyond her technical prowess, Rosa is a strong advocate for women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). She actively participates in mentorship programs, guiding young women who aspire to pursue careers in technology. Rosa believes in the power of education and the importance of providing equal opportunities for all, and she dedicates her time to speaking at conferences and workshops to inspire the next generation of female engineers. In her personal life, Rosa continues to embrace her scientific roots. She enjoys spending her free time experimenting with new technologies, reading scientific journals, and engaging in discussions about the future of technology. Rosa's journey from a curious child conducting experiments to a successful software engineer is a testament to the power of early exposure to science and the enduring influence of a supportive and intellectually stimulating environment.