Bionic Prosthetics – Redefining disability

Bionic prosthetics have transformed a large number of lives, with the number still rising. But how much do we actually know about these prosthetics?

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Angel Guiffria – living with a bionic arm allows angel to live every-day with confidence. From typing to lifting groceries, her arm has transformed her life from a life of disability to a life of opportunities.

Ali – losing a limb changed her life, but getting a bionic limb got it back to normal. She now has a busy schedule to keep up, from competing in powerlifting to playing with her dog.

Brad – The experience of living with a bionic leg, inspired brad to become a prosthetist himself. He can now empathize with others like him and inspire them.

An estimate of 30 million people like Brad, Ali and Angel have used prosthetics to express and redefine themselves.

We all may have seen examples of basic artificial limbs, such as hooks for hands, wooden legs, metal arms- while these gave a striking look to pirates and Vikings, in actual use they were not as comfortable or functional. It took a few decades but we are now at a point where technology has developed lighter, smaller, life-like bionic arms providing a wide range of movement, increased comfort and a feeling of resembling Bucky Barnes from marvel.

But creating these bionic prosthetics is more difficult than it seems. Think about it- when we’re thirsty, we drink water. But if you slow it down.. first you need to extend your arm to the height of the required glass, you need to angle your wrist in such a way that your fingers surround the glass while applying the right amount of pressure to pick up the glass without breaking it. Once filled with water, you need to bend your elbow while raising your forearm so that it’s in the correct position close to your mouth. Then you need to angle your wrist in a way that the water enters your mouth without spilling. Now imagine designing a robotic limb to do the same.

There are several types of prosthetics all differing in ability, affordability, speed of response and other factors. But to get a gist of the concept, bionic limbs work by detecting signals from the user’s muscles. They are often equipped with sensors that detect signals of muscle movement either above or below the limb. For example, if you were to put on a bionic arm and flex your muscles to move your fingers, the sensors of the bionic arm would catch the signals and move the fingers.

Most bionic limbs have built-in computers that detect muscle signals, some require sensors to be implanted into the remaining muscles of the limb. This type is comparatively more advanced and allows users to control the limb with their minds. For example, you would think about lifting your leg and your bionic leg would respond by lifting. Many bionic limbs are considered “plug and play” meaning they can be put on and taken off as and when needed. You might be thinking, if these limbs are electronic, how are they powered?

Well they are usually powered by high-performance motors, advanced software and long-lasting batteries which actually contribute greatly to the weight of the prosthetic and also make them more expensive. But don’t worry researchers are working on making them sleeker, lighter and more affordable.

Each prosthetic limb is custom made for the wearer, so it is unique to the individual. Further, the emergence of 3D printer and computer aided design is beginning to help create limbs that are a perfect fit. While some of us may not mind looking like a character of a science-fiction movie, researchers are working to develop more realistic prosthetics with anatomically correct shapes that mirror the form of the wearer, and can include details such as accurate skin color, freckles, birthmarks, hair, veins, tattoos, fingerprints and fingernails. These life-like creations can be made from PVC or a range of silicones and cover the prosthetic limb using a variety of methods, such as adhesive, stretchable skins, suction, form fitting, or a skin sleeve.

These advancements in human bionics, although incredible, are blurring the lines between human and machine. Bionic prosthetics have come a long way and have a longer way to go, but they may never be able to replicate the complexity, range of movement and functionality of a normal human limb. Further, it may lead us to truly understand what it is to be human.