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A group of final-year engineering students from Kottayam set out to investigate natural alternatives to conventional prosthetics, unaware that their academic project would ultimately lead to a patented breakthrough. Their innovation—a functional artificial hand—combines traditional plant fibers with muscle-sensing technology to deliver improved user experience and sustainability.
Faculty mentor Aju Jo Sankarathil, from the Mechanical Engineering department, explained that this prosthetic offers significant cost advantages over many commercial models. “It operates using sensors that pick up muscle signals. By incorporating natural fibers, it also supports environmentally conscious manufacturing,” he noted.
The team from Saintgits College of Engineering has been granted a patent for developing a myoelectric prosthetic hand constructed from kenaf fibers—a plant-based resource native to regions of northern India and China—enhanced with nickel fibers. The device responds to electrical signals generated by the wearer’s muscles, enabling hand-like movement and dexterity.
Developed by students Paul J. Illikkal, Melvin Santhosh Thomas, Neeraj Kumar V., and Muhammed Eesa K. A., the prototype earned first prize at an international innovation competition hosted by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers.
Mr. Sankarathil highlighted that kenaf fiber composites have broader applications as well, including vehicle interiors, construction panels, partition boards, and postal packaging.
Looking ahead, the team intends to establish a startup with backing from the Kerala Startup Mission, confident that rising demand for sustainable, plant-based solutions will drive widespread interest in their technology.
