EEG-based Brain Computer Interface Prosthetic Hand using Raspberry Pi 4

Abstract

Accidents, wars, or different diseases can affect upper limbs in such a manner so their amputation is required, with dramatic effects on people’s ability to perform tasks such as grabbing, holding objects, or moving them. In this context, it is necessary to develop solutions to support upper limb amputees to perform daily routine activities. BCI (brain-computer interface) offer the ability to use the neural activity of the brain to communicate or control robots, artificial limbs, or machines without physical movement. This article proposing an electroencephalography (EEG) mind-controlled prosthetic arm. It eliminates the drawbacks like the high price, heaviness, and dependency on the intact nerves related to the myoelectric and other types of prostheses currently in use. The developed prototype is a low-cost 3D-printed prosthetic arm controllable via brain commands using EEG-based BCI technology. It includes a stepper motor controlled by Raspberry Pi 4 to perform actions like open/close movement and holding objects. The project has successfully implemented and achieve the aim to create a prototype of a mind-controlled prosthetic arm system in addition to the necessary experimental tests and calculations regarding torque, force, and the weight that the hand can carry. The paper proves the feasibility of the approach and opens the route for improving the design of the prototype to attach it to the upper-limb amputation stump.