Alt-Bionics

The challenge was formidable: to transform a university project into a commercially viable product capable of changing lives. Alt-Bionics needed to develop a low-cost bionic hand without sacrificing quality or functionality. They required a partner to refine the hand’s hardware, firmware, and to develop an intuitive mobile application for personalized grip customization and calibration.

In our partnership with Alt-Bionics, we embarked on a journey to craft an integrated prosthetic system that marries a sophisticated bionic hand with a user-friendly mobile application. Central to this system was the custom-designed Printed Circuit Board (PCB), which our team engineered to fit perfectly within the compact confines of the bionic hand. This bespoke PCB serves as the command center, boasting a high-performance processor and ample memory to accommodate the hand’s multifaceted capabilities.

Our pursuit of functionality paired with affordability guided us in the careful selection of motors and actuators. These components are the cornerstone of the prosthetic’s dexterity, enabling it to hold grips firmly and perform a variety of movements with ease—mimicking the natural motion of a human hand.

The firmware development was crucial in enhancing the hand’s usability. We devised three distinct grip control modes—Sequential, Proportional, and AI—to meet diverse user requirements. From simple grip selection to a more refined control that modulates grip force, these modes provide users with an intuitive experience. Furthering this seamlessness, we integrated Bluetooth directly into the PCB, facilitating a smooth and responsive connection between the bionic hand and the mobile application.

The AI mode stands out as a cutting-edge feature within the prosthetic’s firmware, utilizing machine learning algorithms to identify the user’s specific muscle movement patterns. When the AI module detects a particular pattern, it activates the grip that has been associated with it, allowing users to engage the bionic hand in a way that feels natural and intuitive. This capability marks a significant enhancement in how users interact with the prosthetic hand, offering a personalized and responsive experience.

Through this collaborative effort, we’ve not only overcome the technical challenges but also have pioneered a new standard in prosthetic development—ushering in an era where advanced prosthetics are within reach for many. Explore the functional capabilities of the solution, gain technical insights into its implementation, and learn about the integration of AI into the bionic hand by reading our blog posts.