Advancing a durable, 3D-printed myoelectric prosthetic finger system for partial hand loss
Official title: Advancing the commercialization readiness for a robust, 3D printed titanium, myoelectric powered prosthetic digit system
Funded at Infinite Biomedical Technologies, LLC · NIH-11407271 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new 3D-printed, powered prosthetic finger system aims to give people with partial hand loss a stronger, more reliable option for everyday tasks.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Infinite Biomedical Technologies, LLC NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2026 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $362,530 |
| NIH project number | 1SB1EB038130-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11407271 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with partial hand limb loss who require a more durable myoelectric finger prosthesis and are seeking improved ADL performance.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals with intact hands or those needing different types of prostheses may not benefit from this finger-specific system.
What this research studies
This project seeks to bring a robust, 3D-printed myoelectric prosthetic digit system to people with partial hand limb loss. It builds on prior engineering work to create a durable frame, a novel clutch, and a rechargeable power source to enable heavy-duty use. The team will translate design and engineering advances into a patient-ready device that fits the hand and performs like real fingers. The goal is to expand functional capability, reduce breakage, and improve daily task performance for users who want to stay employed and active.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could perform heavier daily tasks more easily with a longer-lasting, more reliable prosthetic finger system.
How similar studies have gone: Previous design work showed feasibility; this project advances toward a market-ready, durable solution.
Where this research is happening
-
Infinite Biomedical Technologies, LLC
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kaliki, Rahul Reddy — Infinite Biomedical Technologies, LLC
- Study coordinator: Kaliki, Rahul Reddy
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Low-profile 3D-printed myoelectric prosthetic finger for partial hand loss
This project creates a strong, low-profile 3D-printed myoelectric prosthetic digit to help people with partial hand amputations regain hand function.
-
Improving control of prosthetic arms for amputees
This study is testing a new way for people with artificial arms to control their prostheses more easily and naturally, using simple movements like a joystick, so they can enjoy a better experience in their daily lives.
-
Rehabilitation system to help people with upper-limb amputation use myoelectric prostheses
A combined training and control system to help people with upper-limb amputation learn and reliably control myoelectric hands, wrists, and elbows.
-
Improving rehabilitation for individuals with upper limb loss
This study is all about creating new tools to help people who have lost their arms learn to use prosthetics better, making their recovery easier and improving their everyday lives.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.