Team 47: Accessible and Modular Prosthetics (AMP)
Abstract
Currently prosthetics on the market can range from 3,000 USD to over 100,000 USD. Throughout the rest of the world in some third world countries, prosthetics are commonly made from recycled materials but are not well fit to the user. The reasoning for the gap in pricing of prosthetics is a result of the type and use of the prosthetic. On the lower end of the cost spectrum mechanical prosthetics dominate the market; however, these prosthetics do not offer much modularity and are still somewhat expensive considering the value of what one may receive for the cost. On the high end of the spectrum is where the myoelectric or osseo-integrated prosthetics occupy the market. These prosthetics involve small servo motors, and batteries. If one chooses to use an osseo-integrated prosthetic, it is necessary for the user to undergo an operation. Many times these battery powered prosthetics are also very prone to breaking and require long wait periods for repairs. The Accessible and Modular Prosthetic (AMP) is a prosthetic arm that aims to increase the capability of people with an upper limb difference to either increase or exceed the capabilities beyond that of a normal person. It features a proprietary terminal device (below the wrist) a quick disconnect (QD) at the joints (elbow and wrist) and a proprietary rail system for tool holding. Through preliminary research it was discovered that many people with upper limb differences still need to execute daily functions and with the mechanical options that are currently in common use this can be a difficult task. There are over 1.7 million people within the US that suffer from upper limb differences and about 6,000 people just within the western catchment of the Veterans Affairs. Recently in Colorado, House Bill 23-1136 was passed which forces insurance companies to pay for a recreational option of a prosthetic as well as an everyday use prosthetic. This bill is also a nationwide effort to help people who use prosthetics.
In January of 2025 a law was passed in Colorado that forces insurance companies to pay for recreational prosthetics. This is also a nationwide campaign to force all insurance companies to cover prosthetics for recreational use, whereas the current standard operating procedure only enforces insurance companies to cover one prosthetic which is not enough for people with this disability to live a full life. The reasoning for this push of prosthetics to be covered by insurance companies is to encourage prosthetic users to become more active, since movement is medicine.
Sponsor
MechMinds
Director
Paul Ibanez
Team Members
- Brendan Acosta
- Noah Imm
- Daniel Torres-hernandez
- Alexandria Munoz
- Michael Rearden