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.