Body-Powered Prosthesis

A body-powered prosthesis is a type of prosthetic device that uses the wearer's own body movements to operate a mechanical function, typically through a cable-pull system. In upper-limb devices like those produced by the e-NABLE community, wrist flexion pulls cables that cause 3D-printed fingers to close, enabling a basic grasping motion. Body-powered prostheses are generally simpler, lighter, more durable, and less expensive than myoelectric alternatives, making them well-suited for active use and for open-source fabrication with consumer-grade 3D printers.