Evaluating Low-Cost EMG Prosthetics: Accessibility, Control, and Performance

Prosthetic technology has improved significantly over the past few decades, especially with the development of electromyography (EMG)-based systems. These systems allow users to control artificial limbs using signals from their muscles, making movements more natural and easier to learn. However, many advanced prosthetic devices are very expensive, often costing tens of thousands of dollars, which makes them inaccessible to a large number of users. This creates a clear gap between technological advancement and real-world accessibility. This paper examines whether low-cost EMG-based prosthetic systems can serve as a practical alternative to high-end devices. It focuses on comparing these systems in terms of control, performance, and accessibility. The study uses a qualitative approach based on existing research and real-world case studies. Four systems are analyzed: the Open Bionics Hero Arm, the DEKA (LUKE) Arm, the Ottobock bebionic hand, and open-source EMG prosthetics such as e-NABLE and Arduino-based designs. The findings show that low-cost prosthetics are far more accessible, with some open-source models costing only a few hundred dollars and are capable of performing basic everyday tasks such as gripping and holding objects. However, they generally lack the precision, strength, and durability seen in high-performance devices. In contrast, advanced prosthetics offer better control and a wider range of movement, but remain unaffordable for many users. Overall, this study suggests that low-cost EMG prosthetics are a practical solution for improving accessibility, although further improvements are needed to enhance their performance and reliability