EMG Controlled Prosthetic Hand Project: An EMG controlled prosthetic hand is a type of prosthetic that is controlled by Electromyography sensors. These sensors are placed on residual muscles to detect movement which is processed and used to control movement in the prosthetic hand. This hand replicates natural movement in fingers, such as basic hand gestures. The prosthetic hand is designed using 3-D modeling software and is made of PLA plastic. The mechanics of the hand are created through using Arduino hardware and software. The Prosthetic Hand is in progress as the semester continues...

For more information, contact the Research and Development Projects Chairs Alexis and Sophia .

Wheelchair project was worked by three different groups: Software, Hardware, and Design. The project involved these groups to meet every week to work on key components such as the sensor. 3D printing was also performed to build the product. Additionally, after all the technical components were assembled, they were attached to the wheelchair. Thereby, the Wheelchair project was completed by October 2023. The technical skills required for the project are often used in many of the upper level classes such as MATLAB, Arduino and Circuit Design, Signal Aquisition and Noise Reduction. Moreover, the soft skills exemplified are teamwork and communication. Lastly, knowledge of general anatomy and physiology are among others that supported the project.

Heartrate Monitor project allowed the Research and Development team to utilize LCD display, Arduino Uno, Breadboard, and other technical tools to detect heart rate. Additionally, the team worked on identifying how to create an ECG.

Wheelchair Cup Holder project was taken up as requested by a trusted individual of BMES USF chapter who needed a cup holder attached to their wheelchair. The team designed the piece using SolidWorks. After multiple stages of verifying the measurements and design itself, the team 3D printed the attachment. BMES USF also conducted additional projects throughout the Spring 2024 semester such as constructing an Automatic Pill Dispenser with a sensor.

In regards to Engineering Expo, each project is carefully catered to the audience of young children and teens with the hope of teaching and inspiring them to be more involved and interested in STEM.