Creating a strong, 3D printed prosthetic finger system powered by muscle signals
Official title: TABA: Development and clinical assessment of a robust, 3D printed titanium, myoelectric powered prosthetic digit system
Funded at Point Designs, LLC · NIH-11225104 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on a new kind of prosthetic finger for people who have lost part of their hand, using 3D printing to make it strong and light, so it can be easily controlled by muscle signals and help you with everyday tasks.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Point Designs, LLC NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Broomfield, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | January 1, 2025 |
| Project end | June 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $50,000 |
| NIH project number | 3R44NS122687-04S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11225104 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with partial hand amputations who are seeking improved prosthetic solutions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with complete hand amputations or those who do not have the necessary muscle signals to control a myoelectric device may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a new type of prosthetic finger system designed for individuals with partial hand amputations. The approach involves using advanced 3D printing technology to create a robust and lightweight prosthetic digit that can be controlled by muscle signals from the residual limb. The team aims to improve the functionality and durability of prosthetic fingers, making them suitable for everyday tasks and enhancing the quality of life for users. By leveraging their extensive experience in prosthetic device development, the researchers plan to create a system that is both effective and user-friendly.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide individuals with partial hand loss a more functional and reliable prosthetic option, enabling them to perform daily activities more effectively.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research in the development of advanced prosthetic devices has shown promise, indicating that innovative approaches like this one could lead to significant improvements in patient outcomes.
Where this research is happening
-
Point Designs, LLC
Broomfield, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sliker, Levin — Point Designs, LLC
- Study coordinator: Sliker, Levin
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Developing a mechanical prosthetic finger for children
This study is working on a special prosthetic finger for kids who are missing part of their hand, using cool 3D printing to make sure it fits just right and helps them do everyday things more easily.
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Developing a new prosthetic finger for people with partial hand loss
This study is working on a new, easy-to-use prosthetic finger for people who have lost part of their hand, aiming to make everyday tasks easier and improve their quality of life.
-
Creating a strong, 3D printed prosthetic finger system powered by muscle signals
This study is working on a new kind of prosthetic finger for people who have lost part of their hand, using 3D printing to make it strong and light, so you can control it with your muscle signals and get back to doing everyday tasks more easily.
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.