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A lightweight prosthetic hand with 19-DOF dexterity and human-level functions

Author

Listed:
  • Hao Yang

    (University of Science and Technology of China)

  • Zhe Tao

    (University of Science and Technology of China)

  • Jian Yang

    (Anhui University)

  • Wenpeng Ma

    (University of Science and Technology of China)

  • Haoyu Zhang

    (University of Science and Technology of China)

  • Min Xu

    (University of Science and Technology of China)

  • Ming Wu

    (University of Science and Technology of China)

  • Shuaishuai Sun

    (University of Science and Technology of China)

  • Hu Jin

    (University of Science and Technology of China)

  • Weihua Li

    (University of Wollongong)

  • Liu Wang

    (University of Science and Technology of China
    Chinese Academy of Science)

  • Shiwu Zhang

    (University of Science and Technology of China)

Abstract

A human hand has 23-degree-of-freedom (DOF) dexterity for managing activities of daily living (ADLs). Current prosthetic hands, primarily driven by motors or pneumatic actuators, fall short in replicating human-level functions, primarily due to limited DOF. Here, we develop a lightweight prosthetic hand that possesses biomimetic 19-DOF dexterity by integrating 38 shape-memory alloy (SMA) actuators to precisely control five fingers and the wrist. The prosthetic hand features real-time sensing of joint angles in each finger, feeding data into a control module for selectively heating or cooling SMA actuators in a closed-loop manner, mimicking the functioning of human muscles. Enabled by the high-power density of SMAs, the hand part (from the wrist to the fingertip) only weighs 0.22 kg, much lower than existing products. We also integrate an onboard power management module that provides electricity for operating the entire system. In addition to 33 standard grasping modes, this prosthetic hand supports 6 advanced grasping modes designed for enhanced dexterity evaluation, expanding the range of achievable ADLs for amputees while facilitating standard prosthesis function tests and validation in real-world scenarios. This innovation offers a significant advancement in prosthetic hand functions, promising improved quality of life for users.

Suggested Citation

  • Hao Yang & Zhe Tao & Jian Yang & Wenpeng Ma & Haoyu Zhang & Min Xu & Ming Wu & Shuaishuai Sun & Hu Jin & Weihua Li & Liu Wang & Shiwu Zhang, 2025. "A lightweight prosthetic hand with 19-DOF dexterity and human-level functions," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 16(1), pages 1-13, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:16:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-025-56352-5
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-56352-5
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Zhenishbek Zhakypov & Kazuaki Mori & Koh Hosoda & Jamie Paik, 2019. "Designing minimal and scalable insect-inspired multi-locomotion millirobots," Nature, Nature, vol. 571(7765), pages 381-386, July.
    2. Uikyum Kim & Dawoon Jung & Heeyoen Jeong & Jongwoo Park & Hyun-Mok Jung & Joono Cheong & Hyouk Ryeol Choi & Hyunmin Do & Chanhun Park, 2021. "Integrated linkage-driven dexterous anthropomorphic robotic hand," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 12(1), pages 1-13, December.
    3. Dongjin Kim & Baekgyeom Kim & Bongsu Shin & Dongwook Shin & Chang-Kun Lee & Jae-Seung Chung & Juwon Seo & Yun-Tae Kim & Geeyoung Sung & Wontaek Seo & Sunil Kim & Sunghoon Hong & Sungwoo Hwang & Seungy, 2022. "Actuating compact wearable augmented reality devices by multifunctional artificial muscle," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 13(1), pages 1-13, December.
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