Advancing the commercialization readiness for a robust, 3D printed titanium, myoelectric powered prosthetic digit system

The National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering awarded Infinite Biomedical Technologies, LLC $362,530 on September 1, 2026, under the Discovery and Applied Research for Technological Innovations to Improve Human Health program (CFDA 93.286) to advance commercialization readiness for a 3D printed titanium, myoelectric-powered prosthetic digit system.

Infinite Biomedical Technologies is developing the Point Powered, a durable myoelectric prosthesis designed for individuals with partial hand limb loss to perform heavy-duty tasks. The award funds late-stage technical assistance focused on optimizing manufacturing processes and preparing for scaled production. Prior Phase I work (R43EB030895) addressed engineering development of frame, transmission, and motor driver components. The ongoing Phase II effort (R44EB030895) focuses on two key features: a novel clutch design enabling tenfold increase in passive load tolerance and a rechargeable power system designed for low-profile integration and single-handed operation.

The approximately 700,000 Americans living with partial hand limb loss currently have access to only one myoelectric prosthetic option, which is fragile, limited to light-duty tasks, and too large for most partial hand loss cases. The Point Powered addresses this gap to improve employment prospects and functional capability for this underserved population.

Period of performance runs through August 31, 2028, with work performed in Baltimore, Maryland. This is a project grant assistance type.

Abstract

Approximately 700,000 people live with partial hand limb loss (phll) in the united states, with an estimated 50,000 new partial hand amputations every year. Despite the advances in miniaturized electronics and motors, there has been very little advancement in mechatronic prosthetic digits for this underserved patient population. In fact, to date, there is only one myoelectric prosthetic option for individuals with phll in the US. This option is fragile, often limited to light-duty tasks, and is too large to use on most partial hand loss cases. Considering this, IT is no surprise that less than half of the individuals with partial hand absence are able to return to their previous employment, and those who do must often make considerable changes to their work-related tasks. Thus, our team set out to create the point powered, a durable myoelectric prosthesis for individuals with phll that is better suited for heavy duty tasks. Phase i of the project (R43EB030895) was focused on engineering development of a frame, transmission, and motor driver. Phase II effort (R44EB030895) is ongoing and focused on two key features of the powered prosthesis: a novel clutch design and rechargeable power system. The clutch is important since IT will enable the finger to tolerate a 10-fold increase in passive load transmission versus during active use. The rechargeable power system is in response to a user needs analysis we conducted that produced two main requirements: 1) low profile design; and 2) compatible with single-handed use. As development progresses, components must undergo late-stage activities to prepare for scaled production and develop necessary support for patients and clinicians post-launch. We propose this commercialization readiness pilot to fund late-stage technical assistance in the form of optimizing manufacturing processes and building infrastructure to support device adoption through the development of an accelerated fitting and training program. The mission of our collaborative group is to help individuals with phll regain the abilities that they had previously lost. We develop products that provide prosthetists and patients with solutions to meet the unique needs of each patient in this dynamic and challenging healthcare setting. To date, we have served over 2,400 individuals with partial hand limb loss. The work outlined in this proposal is critical to our efforts to commercialize the point powered and create infrastructure to get devices to patients faster and with in-depth, personalized training. We believe that this technology will provide an effective and durable solution for many people with finger loss and ensure their ability to enjoy their work, family, and life to the fullest.