Published on 19 May 2022. Written by Naveen Lakkundi
The Third Thumb fits on a hand like a glove. It's driven by two small motors—one activates the third thumb through the feet. Push on sensors attached to your toes and, via Bluetooth, it tells the thumb to expand or contract.
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The value of the Third Thumb is to create a catalyst for society to consider a human extension, framed in an approachable, accessible design. It is a tool, an experience, and a form of self-expression. When we start to extend our abilities, and when we reframe prosthetics as extensions, then we start to shift the focus from 'fixing' disability to extending ability.
Project Description:
3D printed Thumb: The thumb can be 3D printed and it should be like a glove where you can wear it and use it to do work where you will be needing an extra finger or grip.
Bowden cable system: Bowden cable system is like a bike brakeing system, with this you will be able to move the Robotic thumb.
Small motors: The motors are used to actuate the thumb, that is to expand and contrast.
Push sensor: The push sensor is used to actuate the robotic arm, where the amount of force acting on the push sensor will actuate the robotic arm.
Bluetooth modules:The blue tooth modules are used to send the sensor data from your toe to the robotic thumb.
Arduino Nano:The Arduino Nano is a small, complete, and breadboard-friendly board based on the ATmega328P (Arduino Nano 3.x). It has more or less the same functionality of the Arduino Duemilanove, but in a different package. It lacks only a DC power jack, and works with a Mini-B USB cable instead of a standard one.
Project Implementation:
3D Print a Thumb which can be worn like a glove.
Install the Bowden cable system to the robotic arm with the motors so that you will be able to actuate it
The Arduino nano should be programmed to actuate the motors according to the sensor values.
Project Brief:The Arduino nano when configured and all the required programming has been done then the Robotic arm is ready to hold and can be used as an extra thumb to do some cool stuff where one thumb and four fingers are not enough.
Software requirements:
Arduino IDE Version 1.8.5 : You will be needing Arduino IDE software for writing and uploading the program into the Arduino Uno board.
Programing Language:
Arduino programing(C++)
Kit required to develop Robotic thumb:
