Implementação da metodologia de design thinking no desenvolvimento de uma prótese robótica de membro superior

Abstract

Prosthesis plays an important role in a rehabilitation process, as it is a therapeutic technological resource capable of expanding the functional capabilities of the person with amputation. However, the orthopedic workshops accredited to the Brazilian Unified Health System (SUS) to meet the demands of prosthesis manufacturing have a handmade process, which causes discomfort to the patient. In addition, the SUS only provides prostheses with dynamic standard models, not offering the user the chance to enjoy the benefits of a robotic prosthesis. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to implement the Design Thinking methodology developing an upper limb robotic prosthesis for individuals with transradial amputation, with the potential to be included in the Table of Procedures, Drugs, Orthoses, Prostheses and Materials (OPM) of the SUS to be offered to users. This is a methodological study, with product development, through the Design Thinking Methodology. A robotic prosthesis of the upper limb was developed for individuals with low-cost transradial amputation, where the investment in the materials involved for its creation was approximately R$ 250.00. The prosthesis developed is an active prosthesis is not available in the SUS table, which perform the handgrip movement, with a load capacity of 3.7 kg on the fingers and 0.5 s response time. With this, it was demonstrated that with the implementation of the Design Thinking methodology made possible the development of an upper limb robotic prosthesis with the potential to be included in the SUS table, allowing them to take advantage of this type of technology.