Researchproposal

RESEARCH PROPOSAL
Joey Leonard
Independent Research
2015-2016
Title: Need a Hand? The Use of Actuators in Biomimetic Prosthetics
Overview of Research:
The general area of study for this project will focus mainly on the engineering aspect of
designing and constructing a functioning robotic prosthetic, as well as experimenting with the
resources needed in order to do so. This is in hopes of creating a more advanced prosthetic that is
capable of more than what current prosthetics can achieve. The research to solve this problem
will be done by experimenting with actuators to observe their ability to produce motion similar
to that of a human arm, and then make conclusions about how actuators could be used together to
create a device that could move and function like a human limb. The end result should be
findings about the capabilities of actuators in the role of creating movement like that of human
limbs, and how they could be used to create a biomimetic prosthetic.
Background and Rationale:
Most modern prosthetics distributed to amputees who require them do not possess the
degree of motion that authentic human limbs have. While modern prosthetics are made with
more advanced materials to increase their strength and durability, their ability to function as a
normal limb is severely inhibited by the level of technology required to produce such an
augmentation. Although the idea of a moving prosthetic arm is not a new one, it still remains on
the forefront of technology with its applications in the real world still limited to the testing and
designing of such inventions.
The lack of availability of such advanced prosthetics does not staunch the overflowing
need for them to amputees. An estimated 1,400 U.S. soldiers who fought in Iraq and Afghanistan
suffered from severe limb amputations (Wallace). The current state of the technology of
prosthetics means that these veterans will have to live their entire lives never fully possessing the
abilities they once had. The hardships that amputees must cope with for their entire lives are
hardships that technology can seek to resolve simply by revolutionizing the prosthetic limb.
An actuator is a device that is capable of creating motion in a certain direction (Tatum).
This motion can vary in direction from an opening and closing motion to oscillation or pushing
and pulling motions, and can be created from a variety of sources such as compressed gas,
electricity or hydraulic fluid. These devices are the basis for all moving machinery in the modern
world. By exploring their abilities in regards of creating motion, it is entirely possible that a
fully-functioning artificial limb could be produced that could supersede the models of prosthetics
that are in use today.
Research Methodology:
Research Question:
How can different types of actuators be used to mimic human motions?
Research Hypothesis:
Actuators which are responsible for creating motion in certain directions can be
implemented into prosthetics to create more advanced artificial limbs.
The ability of actuators to create movement in different directions can easily be used in
prosthetic limbs by designing a limb that incorporates such actuators in it. These actuators would
be responsible for producing movements in certain directions similar to how a real human limb
would move and function.
Research Design Model:
Quantitative research will be conducted through the means of experimental research in
order to test the ability of different types of actuators effectiveness to mimic or produce motions
similar to that of a human. This will most accurately yield data about how actuators could
successfully be implemented into prosthetics to create artificial limbs that are capable of moving
in a pattern similar to that of a human limb. The independent variable would be the type of
actuator being tested and the dependent variable would be its ability to produce motions that are
similar to those of a humans.
Data Collection:
An experiment will be conducted by gathering different types of actuators and assessing
their ability to produce motions in any fashion that is similar to the movements of a human arm.
This will provide fresh and original research on the topic, and the data collected will be used to
produce an original conclusion about how the different types of actuators could be used together
to mimic human motion.
Product Objectives:
After primary data is collected, a PowerPoint presentation will be created to showcase the
findings of the study. This presentation will then be presented to the target audience of novices in
the field of engineering, such as students in engineering or robotics clubs. This could in turn
inspire other students to become interested in the idea of biomimetic prosthetics in order to
create a generation of thinkers that could revolutionize the future of robotics. The information
will be presented to the target audience through means of an oral presentation along with the
PowerPoint to allow for explanations of the information.
Logistical Considerations:
The only resource necessary for the product to reach the target audience would be a
classroom setup (or anywhere that is suited for displaying a digital presentation) and an oral
speaker, who would be the conductor of the research. Equipment would be limited to only what
is needed to display a PowerPoint (computer, projector screen, projector), and the speaker would
have to have a prearranged time slot agreed upon with the target audience so that the speaker
could go there and give an oral presentation. Permission will be needed from the teacher of the
students to be able to borrow the time of both the teacher and the students in order to give said
presentation. A timeline will be added that outlines the data collection, product development, and
audience distribution.
Approval:
_____________________ _________________________
Student Signature
G/T Resource Teacher Signature
________________
Mentor/Advisor Signature
References:
Tatum, M. (17 November 2015). What is an actuator?. Web. 10 Dec. 2015.
Wallace, D. (2012). Trends in traumatic amputation in Allied Forces in Iraq and
Afghanistan. Journal of Military and Veterans Health, Volume 20(No. 2).

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RESEARCH PROPOSAL

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