The e-Nable.it Bionic Platform Project

Note:The Project include 2 PCB,the other link here e-Nable.it Bionic Controller

The e-Nable.it Bionic Platform open-source project aims to enable the development of prosthetic and assistive devices through frugal innovation, empowering e-Nable's community open-source prosthetics with advanced, human-integrated electronic solutions. It focuses on enabling mechanical designs to achieve sophisticated functionalities while remaining simple, affordable, and accessible.

For more details, updates, and further information, please visit our dedicated e-Nable.it Bionic Project Wiki

The solution integrates two custom low-cost boards —BionicController and ActuatorSense Module— with the M5Stack Atom S3 commercial board. The BionicController handles power management and interfacing, while the ActuatorSense Module controls linear actuators or motors, and an EMG sensor.

This system, featuring a small display, charger, and power supply, empowers makers and users by providing adaptable, human-centered technology for prosthetic devices, supporting both advanced functionality and affordability.

Important: The bionic platform is composed of twoboards, this shared PCB design is related to the ActuatorSense Module project, and the Bionic Controller project can be found here.

Warning: The boards published in this repository are still under development and, until fully completed and thoroughly validated, they are intended solely as technological demonstrators and are not designed for practical use.

Note: The updated 3D hand model that integrates the electronic components is not yet available. However, the experimental project for an electronically controlled mechanical hand is based on the Kinetic Hand design by Free 3D Hands and was developed by Michele Praga. This project served as the foundational concept for the initial COTS (Commercial Off-the-Shelf) implementation and led to the development of the integrated control boards used in the e-Nable Italia initiative.

Custom Boards details

1.Bionic Controller

The Bionic Controller is a custom control board designed to house and expand the capabilities of the M5Stack Atom S3 board. It connects seamlessly to its daughter boards via an 8+8 pin expansion slot.

This module serves as the foundation for flexible, low-cost prosthetic and assistive device applications.

Key features:

• Size: 25x50mm
• Board Type: 2-layer PCB
• Power Management:
• Integrated battery charging and management.
• Provides multiple power outputs: +3.3V, +5V, and variable voltage (5V to 12V) for powering multiple motors.
• Housing: Secure docking for the M5Stack Atom S3 board.
• Expansion Slot: Supports additional modules like motor drivers or sensors with a 2x8 pin expansion connector.

2.ActuatorSense Module

This is the Rev. B version of the ActuatorSense module, it is a compact, low-cost H-bridge motor/waveshare motors driver daughter board designed to connect seamlessly to the expansion slot of the Atom S3 custom board.

Key features:

• Size: 25x26mm
• Board Type: 2-layer PCB
• Control Capabilities:
• Drives two linear actuators or DC motors
• Drives waveshare motors
• Supports mixed configurations (e.g., one actuator and one sensor such as an EMG or pressure sensor).

Some videos related to the project:

• Instagram - mechanical device
• e-Nable Italia: Innovative Bionic Hands for Empowering Individuals with Limb Differences – Featured on Italy's National News Broadcast Rai TG-3.
• Michele Praga - robotic hand prototype

For more information and updates e-Nable Italia, visit:

• e-Nable Italia Website
• Facebook
• Instagram

Additionally, explore these resources:

• Project Wiki
• e-Nable Community Website
• e-Nable Community Resource Hub
• Free 3D Hands Website
• Kinetic Hand by Matt Bowdell
• Remix kinetic hand by Michele Praga
• Bionic Hand Muscle Sensor by Michele Praga

The Team

e-Nable Italia is an independent volunteer-driven organization focused on developing and providing open-source prosthetics to those in need. The group, composed of over 50 volunteers, works alongside the global e-Nable community.

This project is developed and maintained by the volunteers of the e-Nable Italia community. Our group consists of passionate individuals, including biomedical engineers, mechatronics engineers, and makers, who collaborate to create innovative and accessible solutions. Through our collective efforts, we aim to empower users with open-source, affordable, and customizable assistive devices.

Disclaimer

• The e-Nable Italia initiative was created, promoted, and it is supported by Energy Family Project APS, a non-profit organization formed by families with children facing challenges related to limb differences, such as agenesis, amputations, and malformations.
• Free 3D Hands is an Australian charity focused on providing low-cost, open-source 3D printed assistive devices. While it has inspired elements of this initiative, it is not directly connected with the e-Nable Italia project.
• e-Nable is a worldwide community of volunteers, with an estimated 30,000 members, who design and create open-source 3D-printed prosthetics for individuals in need.
• The e-Nable Italia project builds on various influences, including earlier works, but operates as a separate and independent effort with its own goals and development.