Voice-Controlled Robotic Arm for People with Disabilities

Abstract

The Project “Voice Controlled Robotic Arm for People with Disabilities” will seek to construct a user friendly aidthat can helpenhancethelevel of independence, as well as the quality of life of people with disabilities, more so individuals with amputation by birth. The robotic aidwill be capable of executing a number of set operations that can be activated through a voice command issued through an Android smart phone. It will make use of highly sophisticated speech recognition technologies and will provide an easily manipulable interface. Fulfilling this goal will be the main concern of this project by providing a lowcost option without sacrificing functionality and reliability. Due to employing inexpensive hardwarepartsandopensourcesoftware,the robotic arm will give a practical approach to solving everyday chores. Major novelfeatures that this project will be based on are affordability,ease of use, andtheabilitytobe tailored to suit different use cases. Emphasis on using cheaper and more readily available hardware components and materials will guarantee that the total cost makes the robotic arm affordable to individuals as well as healthcare institutions. The incorporation of advanced speech recognition technology will allow the device to be operated in a hands-free manner making it multifunctional for users with very restricted movement capabilities.

Introduction

This project develops a voice-controlled robotic arm to assist individuals with physical disabilities, especially those with limb loss or deficiencies. The system enables users to perform daily tasks like gripping, pushing, pulling, and lifting through voice commands, promoting independence and improving quality of life.

The literature review highlights prior research on voice-operated robotic arms using machine learning, neural networks, and real-time voice recognition to enhance usability and responsiveness.

The methodology involves understanding user needs, designing the robotic arm structure, selecting affordable components (Arduino Nano, servo motors, Bluetooth modules, lithium battery), developing a lightweight 3D-printed prototype, programming control software in Embedded C via Arduino IDE, and integrating wireless voice command communication through a smartphone app.

Hardware components work together to receive, process, and execute voice commands, while software ensures accurate interpretation and real-time control. The system undergoes rigorous testing, cost optimization, and user training to ensure safety, effectiveness, and ease of use.

Conclusion

TheVoice-Controlled Robotic Arm is a meaningful step toward makingassistivetechnologymoreaffordable and accessible for individuals with disabilities. By utilizing voice recognition technology, this system enables users to perform daily tasks independently, reducing their reliance on others. The robotic arm is designed with budget- friendly yet efficient components, including an Arduino Nano microcontroller, servo motors for precise movement, a Bluetooth module for wireless control, an XL6009 battery booster for stable power, and a 12V lithium batteryfor long-lasting performance. These elements ensure smooth operation, reliability,andenergyefficiency,makingthe arm both practical and cost-effective. To control the arm, Embedded C programming and Arduino IDE are used, allowing seamless communication between hardware components and the voice recognition system. By leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Natural Language Processing (NLP), the robotic armaccurately interprets voice commands, enabling it to perform essential tasks like gripping, holding, lifting, and moving objects. This technology enhances user experience, making the arm more intuitive and responsive. Beyond its technical features, this project directly addresses real-life challenges faced by people with mobility impairments. Designed to be lightweight, portable, andeasy to use, it provides a user-friendly interfaceforseamlessinteraction.Withfuture advancements,thissystemcouldbefurther enhanced by gesture control, AI-based learning for adaptive responses, and cloud integration for remote accessibility. This initiative serves as a foundation for future innovations in assistive robotics, opening doors for applications in healthcare, rehabilitation, prosthetics,andhomeautomation.Astechnology continuestoevolve,solutionslikethiswillplaya key role in fostering independence, enhancing accessibility, and improving the quality of lifefor individuals with disabilities. In conclusion, this project is not just about developing a robotic arm; it represents a step toward a more inclusive future, wheretechnology empowers individuals, providing them with the ability to lead more independent and fulfilling lives.

References

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Copyright

Copyright © 2025 Prof. Rajshri Pote, Vibha Deshbhratar, Piyush Parate, Pranav Kotawar, Mayur Zarkar, Pratik Ghate. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.