Advanced Electromechanical Arm Earns FDA Approval

The US Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) launched its Revolutionizing Prosthetics program to advance the field of modular upper-limb prosthetics and committed to making the significant research and development investment required. Its goal was to gain FDA approval for an advanced electromechanical prosthetic upper limb with near-natural control that enhances independence and improves quality of life for amputees.

Sensors in the hand of the DEKA Arm System can provide feedback on grip strength. (Credit: DARPA)

Now, less than eight years after the effort was launched, they say that their dream is now a reality. The FDA has approved the DEKA Arm System. The newly approved system expands prosthetic choices for amputees, who have generally used body-powered prosthetics, including the split-hook device, which was invented in 1912.

“DARPA is a place where we can bring dreams to life,” said Dr. Geoffrey Ling, MD, Director of DARPA’s Biological Technologies Office. A retired Medical Corps neuro-critical care officer who served in combat hospitals in both Iraq and Afghanistan, Ling launched the Revolutionizing Prosthetics program in 2006 with a desire to provide better care “to repay some of the debt we owe to our Service members.”

The DEKA system allows for simultaneous control of multiple joints using a variety of input devices including wireless signals generated by innovative sensors on the user’s feet. The battery-powered arm system is of similar size and weight to a natural limb and has six user-selectable grips. Many technological breakthroughs were needed to create the arm system. For example, parts for motors, computer controls, and sensors needed to be miniaturized, and manufacturing processes were combined with strong yet lightweight materials.

Source