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ICSETEP RDG Sub-Project · D-18

Affordable Myoelectric Prosthetic Hand

Enabling Essential Daily Activities for Low-Income Amputees in Bangladesh

Department of Computer Science & Engineering · Varendra University, Rajshahi

01 January 2026 — 31 December 2027

An interdisciplinary research project developing a cost-effective myoelectric prosthetic hand using EMG signals, machine learning, embedded systems and 3D printing.

Explore the Project Latest Notices
AMPH – Affordable Myoelectric Prosthetic Hand project logo
Project Duration
2 Years
Start
01 Jan 2026
End
31 Dec 2027
Lead Institution
Varendra University
Research Area
IT Solutions Addressing Disability Issues
Sub-Project Code
D-18

About the Project

Affordable assistive technology, engineered locally

The project “Affordable Myoelectric Prosthetic Hand Enabling Essential Daily Activities for Low-Income Amputees in Bangladesh” is an ICSETEP Research and Development Grant (RDG) sub-project, implemented through the University Research and Development Grant Secretariat (URDGS) at Varendra University. It is conducted at the Human–Machine Interfacing (HMI) Research Lab, Department of CSE.

Its primary objective is to enhance the independence, mobility and quality of life of low-income upper-limb amputees by providing a cost-effective assistive technology tailored to local needs and economic conditions, capable of essential activities such as grasping, pointing and holding objects.

Visit the official ICSETEP website (opens in a new tab)

  • Why affordability mattersCost is a major barrier to prosthetic technology; the project targets a design suited to local economic conditions.
  • Why EMGElectromyography reads the electrical activity of muscles, giving the user a natural control signal.
  • Role of machine learningModels classify EMG patterns into intended hand movements in real time.
  • Local manufacturing3D-printed parts and rapid prototyping support locally manufacturable devices.
  • User-centred testingDesign is guided by collaboration with amputee users and structured studies with consent procedures.

Core Research Areas

Where hardware, software and physiology meet

  • EMG Signal Acquisition

    Capturing muscle electrical activity with a locally developed acquisition system.

  • Signal Processing

    Real-time filtering and processing of biosignals.

  • Machine Learning

    Models for EMG-based hand movement classification.

  • Embedded Systems

    Microcontroller platforms, firmware and wireless (BLE) communication.

  • Myoelectric Prosthetic Control

    Turning classified gestures into hand movement via servo motors.

  • 3D Printing & Rapid Prototyping

    Locally manufacturable prosthetic hand structures and components.

  • Human–Machine Interaction

    User-centred design with amputee users and wearable sensing.

  • Clinical / Rehabilitation Evaluation

    Structured studies with participants and healthcare partners.

Technology Pipeline

From muscle signal to hand movement

  1. 1EMG Signals
  2. 2Signal Acquisition
  3. 3Filtering & Processing
  4. 4Machine Learning
  5. 5Gesture Classification
  6. 6Microcontroller
  7. 7Actuation / Servo Motors
  8. 8Prosthetic Hand Movement

Methodology

Research workflow

  1. 01

    Requirement Study

    Understanding amputee needs and daily-activity challenges.

  2. 02

    Hardware Design

    Development and integration of EMG acquisition hardware and embedded platforms.

  3. 03

    Firmware & Signal Pipeline

    Real-time signal acquisition, filtering and wireless data transfer.

  4. 04

    Machine Learning

    Training and optimizing models for EMG-based hand movement classification.

  5. 05

    Mechanical Prototyping

    Designing and 3D printing prosthetic hand structures and components.

  6. 06

    System Integration

    Combining hardware, firmware, mechanical components and ML models.

  7. 07

    Testing & Evaluation

    Structured testing with appropriate participants and feedback.

  8. 08

    Iteration

    Refining the system based on evaluation and user feedback.

Current Development

Our own 8-channel EMG signal acquisition system

The team has recently developed its own EMG signal acquisition system, an 8-channel EMG Signal Acquisition System Arm Band, which the Honorable Vice Chancellor of Varendra University visited and observed on 24 September 2026.

Photographs, specifications and publications will be added here as they become available.

  • Photographs
  • Specifications
  • Publications

Vision

Project vision

To become a leading research hub in Bangladesh for human–machine interfacing technologies, building affordable, locally engineered assistive and biomedical devices that restore independence and dignity to people with physical disabilities.

Mission & Goals

Project goals

  • Design and develop an affordable functional myoelectric prosthetic hand.
  • Advance EMG signal acquisition and processing.
  • Develop machine-learning-based gesture classification.
  • Integrate machine learning with embedded systems.
  • Develop local capacity in biomedical hardware and rapid prototyping.
  • Evaluate the device with amputee participants.
  • Improve the prototype through user feedback.
  • Develop trained researchers working across hardware, software and human physiology.

Collaboration & Partners

Working together across institutions

  • Lead Institution

    Varendra University

    Department of Computer Science and Engineering (CSE), Rajshahi, Bangladesh. Hosts the Human–Machine Interfacing (HMI) Research Lab.

  • Academic Partner

    Rajshahi University of Engineering & Technology (RUET)

    Co-Principal Investigator: Dr. Md. Johirul Islam, Department of Physics.

  • International Academic Partner

    Universiti Malaysia Perlis (UniMAP)

    Co-Principal Investigator: Dr. Md Mamun Bin Ibne Reaz, Faculty of Electronic Engineering & Technology.

  • Rehabilitation Partner

    Centre for the Rehabilitation of the Paralyzed (CRP)

    Rajshahi – Afsar Hussain Centre. Clinical and rehabilitation collaboration for amputee studies and device trials.

Project Team

The people behind the project

Principal Investigator

  • Photograph of Dr. Ahammad Hossain

    Dr. Ahammad Hossain

    Principal Investigator (PI), ICSETEP RDG Sub project

    Associate Professor, Dept. of Computer Science & Engineering, Varendra University

    ahammad@vu.edu.bd

Co-Principal Investigators

  • Photograph of Umme Rumman

    Umme Rumman

    Co-Principal Investigator (Co-PI), ICSETEP RDG Sub project

    Assistant Professor, Dept. of Computer Science & Engineering, Varendra University

    chaiti@vu.edu.bd
  • Photograph of Dr. Md. Johirul Islam

    Dr. Md. Johirul Islam

    Co-Principal Investigator (Co-PI), ICSETEP RDG Sub project

    Professor, Dept. of Physics, Rajshahi University of Engineering & Technology (RUET)

    johirul@phy.ruet.ac.bd
  • Photograph of Dr. Md Mamun Bin Ibne Reaz

    Dr. Md Mamun Bin Ibne Reaz

    Co-Principal Investigator (Co-PI), ICSETEP RDG Sub project

    Professor, Faculty of Electronic Engineering & Technology, Universiti Malaysia Perlis (UniMAP)

    mamun.reaz@gmail.com

Research Assistants

Accountant-cum-Office Secretary

Office Assistant

University RDG Secretariat (URDGS)

  • Photograph of Prof. Shamim Ahmad

    Prof. Shamim Ahmad

    Head of URDGS, ICSETEP RDG Sub project

    Head, Dept. of CSE, Varendra University

    head.cse@vu.edu.bd
  • Photograph of Md. Wadud Jahan

    Md. Wadud Jahan

    Administrative Officer, ICSETEP RDG Sub project

    Executive, Dept. of CSE, Varendra University

    office.cse2@vu.edu.bd
  • Photograph of Sk. Rasidul Islam

    Sk. Rasidul Islam

    Account Officer, ICSETEP RDG Sub project

    Assistant Director, Office of the Finance & Accounts, Varendra University

    rashed@vu.edu.bd

Research Interests

Research interests

  • Electromyography (EMG) signal acquisition and processing
  • Embedded systems and microcontroller-based biomedical devices
  • Machine learning for real-time biosignal classification
  • Myoelectric prosthetic control systems
  • Low-cost, locally manufacturable assistive technology
  • Human–machine interaction and wearable sensing
  • 3D printing and rapid prototyping for medical devices
  • Clinical evaluation of assistive technologies

Services & Research Outputs

Documented outputs

  • Myoelectric prosthetic hand prototypes and research outputs
  • EMG signal acquisition and biosignal processing
  • Embedded systems and firmware design
  • Rapid prototyping / 3D-printed mechanical parts
  • Student and researcher training
  • Collaborative clinical research and device trials

Events & Activities

Project activities

    • Vice Chancellor visit to observe the 8-channel EMG Signal Acquisition System Arm Band, 24 September 2026
    • Vice Chancellor visit to observe the 8-channel EMG Signal Acquisition System Arm Band, 24 September 2026
    • Vice Chancellor visit to observe the 8-channel EMG Signal Acquisition System Arm Band, 24 September 2026
    EVENT

    Vice Chancellor observes the 8-channel EMG Arm Band

    Prof. Dr. Md. Khademul Islam Molla, Honorable Vice Chancellor, Varendra University, visited and observed our newly developed 8-channel EMG Signal Acquisition System Arm Band.

    • Visit of Gunma University, Japan, to the HMI Research Lab, 16 August 2026
    • Visit of Gunma University, Japan, to the HMI Research Lab, 16 August 2026
    • Visit of Gunma University, Japan, to the HMI Research Lab, 16 August 2026
    EVENT

    Visit by Gunma University, Japan

    We were honored to welcome Prof. Kou Yamada and Prof. Dr. Md. Abdus Samad Kamal from Gunma University, Japan, to the Human–Machine Interfacing Research Lab, Department of CSE, Varendra University. During their visit, we presented our ongoing project.

    • Inception Workshop, 10 August 2026, Central Auditorium, Varendra University
    • Inception Workshop, 10 August 2026, Central Auditorium, Varendra University
    • Inception Workshop, 10 August 2026, Central Auditorium, Varendra University
    • Inception Workshop, 10 August 2026, Central Auditorium, Varendra University
    EVENT

    Project Inception Workshop

    The project’s Inception Workshop was held at the Central Auditorium, Varendra University.

More project activities and events will be updated here.

Notices & Tenders

Latest ICSETEP Notices & Tender Updates

View All Notices

Contact

Get in touch

Project Email

pi.vu.icsetep@gmail.com

Office

11th Floor, Human Machine Interfacing / ICSETEP Sub-Project Office, Varendra University, Rajshahi Bypass Road, Chandrima, Paba, Rajshahi-6204, Bangladesh

ICSETEP Website

Official Improving Computer and Software Engineering Tertiary Education Project website.

icsetep.ugc.gov.bd (opens in a new tab)

Follow on Facebook

Updates from the HMI Research Lab, CSE, Varendra University.

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Supported by

  • University Grants Commission of Bangladesh logoUniversity Grants Commission of Bangladesh (UGC)
  • Asian Development Bank logoAsian Development Bank (ADB)

ICSETEP RDG Sub-Project · Department of Computer Science & Engineering, Varendra University

Sub-Project Code D-18 · 01 January 2026 – 31 December 2027 · Back to top ↑

Computer Science and Engineering
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