The technology

We made a deliberate choice to use less technology, not more.

Every decision was measured against one question: can this be fixed in Gisenyi with basic tools and locally sourced parts?

We swapped a $500 sensor for a $5 one. That is not a compromise. That is the point.

A $5 pressure sensor instead of a $500 EMG system. Two actuators instead of five. Parts anyone can source. That is not a compromise — it is the thesis.

Sensing

Force Sensitive Resistors under $5 each. No EMG, no electrodes, no calibration. Pressure changes when a muscle contracts. That is the signal.

Under $5 per sensor

No EMG required

Works in heat and humidity

Control

Independent thumb and a unified four-finger curl through one tendon. Two actuators. Pressure maps to grip speed and force — graduated, not binary.

2-actuator architecture

Tendon-driven fingers

Proportional grip

Repairability

Standard fasteners. No proprietary parts. 3D-printable structure. A local technician with basic tools can service the full device.

No proprietary parts

Field-serviceable

3D-printable

The number that drives every decision

$250

Target BOM for a complete Myogen system

Commercial myoelectric hands cost $15,000 to $100,000. Ours will cost under $250. Every engineering decision is measured against that number. If we miss it, the whole point falls apart.

Myogen