Low-profile 3D-printed myoelectric prosthetic finger for partial hand loss
Official title: Development and clinical assessment of a robust, 3D printed titanium, myoelectric powered prosthetic digit system
Funded at Infinite Biomedical Technologies, LLC · NIH-11334753 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project creates a strong, low-profile 3D-printed myoelectric prosthetic digit to help people with partial hand amputations regain hand function.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Infinite Biomedical Technologies, LLC NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2021 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $1,497,205 |
| NIH project number | 7R44NS122687-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11334753 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with partial hand amputations who have enough residual muscle activity for EMG control and are medically stable for prosthetic fitting are the best candidates.
✕Less likely to help
People with complete arm amputations, absent or nonfunctional residual muscles for EMG control, or medical conditions that prevent safe device fitting are unlikely to benefit.
What this research studies
You would be offered a low-profile, 3D-printed titanium myoelectric prosthetic digit system designed for people with partial hand loss. The team will develop robust powered digits, custom low-profile EMG electrodes, and use miniaturized motors and 3D printing to fit devices to each person's residual anatomy. Participants will receive device fittings, tuning using their muscle (EMG) signals, and clinical testing of function and durability during everyday tasks. The company plans regulatory and deployment steps if the device proves safe and helpful in these tests.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this device could let people with partial hand amputations perform stronger, more precise grips and return to more work and daily activities.
How similar studies have gone: There is only one commercial myoelectric option for partial-hand loss in the U.S., and while myoelectric prostheses have helped people with larger limb loss, powered digits for partial hands are relatively novel and less proven.
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
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.