The RIT arm is an assistive device designed for people with transradial amputations. The design is a scalable and low cost, fully 3D printable device. Using mechanical actuations the user can open and close the fingers of the hand and supinate/pronate the wrist. These assistive devices have been used around the world, and have a particularly large impact in developing countries where traditional prosthetics are too costly. Originally created at RIT in conjunction with e-NABLE it is only fitting that RIT students continue the drive to improve the design. The BioPrint club is working to improve the design of the arm, as well as add additional subsystems. The goal is to create a modular design that provides improved functionality, while keeping the cost low.
The BioPrint club has began a challenging new endeavor involving the RIT arm. The project goal is to use a host of sensors to encode the movement of a person’s forearm, and use this to control a motorized version of the RIT Arm. When completed the design would allow the wearer full control of the prosthesis without relying on auxiliary movements. This device will allow increased functionality in situations where more expense is acceptable.