Photograph of the ETD2 courtesy of Motion Control.
A $2.3 million U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) grant that was awarded in 2012 to Motion Control, Salt Lake City, has funded the development of a new electric terminal device (ETD) and wrist system for people with upper-limb amputations. The development is featured on the DoD Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (CDMRP) website.
According to the CDMRP story, this ETD is the only upper-limb prosthetic device that achieves true resistance against water, dirt, dust, and grease.
Motion Control upgraded its existing ETD by coupling a shorter and lighter forearm section with a series of modular wrist joints. The interchangeable components will allow for personalized prostheses based on each user’s injury and individual lifestyle needs. Prototypes of the second-generation ETD (ETD2 is the working title) have entered field trials and are used daily by several individuals with upper-limb loss.
Recent follow-on funding awarded to Motion Control from the Joint Warfighter Medical Research Program will support the development of an ultra-rugged elbow system.
