For millennia, humans have sought to replace lost body parts with prosthetics, and today, the rapidly expanding field of bionic prosthetics and orthotics is transforming these devices from simple tools into advanced technologies. Early examples include the Greville Chester Great Toe from Ancient Egypt and iron hands used by Roman General Marcus Sergius, highlighting both functional and cultural significance.
Historically accessible only to the affluent, prosthetics have gradually progressed, showcasing major innovations such as Ysidro Martinez’s friction-reducing leg in the 1970s and Blatchford’s computerized leg in the 1990s, which improved gait symmetry.
Over the past decade, prosthetics have become more comfortable and lifelike, with enhanced interfaces between the stump and device. Modern prosthetics now incorporate sensors and microprocessors for improved mobility, though they remain costly. Future advancements will depend on user needs, engineering innovations, and funding, with the potential to further enhance daily activities and sports participation for amputees.
As artificial intelligence in robotics becomes more integrated into daily life, its use in bionic prosthetics and orthotics holds great promise. AI plays a crucial role in bridging the gap between biological and prosthetic limbs, a divide expected to diminish further with ongoing technological advancements. This integration is transforming prosthetics and revolutionizing orthotic devices designed to support and enhance the function of existing limbs.
Thanks to AI-driven innovations, modern prosthetics and orthotics have become lighter, simpler, and more customizable. Myoelectric prostheses, which are among the most common, use electromyography (EMG) signals from the muscles of residual limbs for control. Sensors placed on the skin detect these signals, converting muscle contractions into electrical signals that guide the prosthetic’s movements. This technology allows for more intuitive and responsive control, making the prosthetic feel like a natural body extension.
Similarly, advanced orthotic devices are being developed to provide optimal support by adapting to the user’s movements. AI algorithms in these devices can analyze the user’s gait and adjust the level of support in real time, enhancing comfort and efficiency. For instance, in leg prosthetics, sensors on the residual hip muscle detect intended movements, allowing AI to adjust the prosthetic knee’s bending and swing duration. This results in more natural and fluid motion, significantly improving the user’s mobility and quality of life.
The field of prosthetic technology is poised for significant advancements, with innovations aimed at enhancing accessibility and functionality. As technology progresses, we anticipate the development of two main categories of prosthetics: basic, cost-effective options accessible to a broader range of users, and advanced smart prosthetics designed to match individual functional needs and maximize mobility closely. These advancements are expected to improve the quality of life for many, offering substantial enhancements in mobility, psychosocial integration, and overall health.
A prime example of these advancements can be seen in the development of prosthetic feet. Researchers are exploring whether a prosthetic foot can autonomously determine its actions in response to environmental stimuli, such as an approaching soccer ball. This involves creating feet capable of sensing and responding to their surroundings, enhancing user interaction and functionality. Implementing Dynamic Data-Driven Application Systems (DDEAs) is crucial for making smart ankle prostheses and collecting user feedback on their effectiveness. These systems allow for continuous learning and adaptation, ensuring the prosthetic devices align with the user’s evolving needs.
While prosthetic technologies are still far from replicating the full capabilities of biological limbs, and the most innovative solutions remain costly, there is a positive trend towards making these technologies more accessible. Increasingly, more people are gaining access to prosthetics that substantially improve their quality of life. Some models are already available for 3D printing, which could further democratize access to these life-changing devices. The hope is that as technology advances, these innovations will become increasingly affordable and available to all who need them, bridging the gap between current capabilities and future possibilities.
The journey of Sarah de Lagarde demonstrates how artificial intelligence can improve robotic applications, especially in bionic prosthetics and orthotics. After a severe accident in September 2022, which led to the loss of her right arm and lower right leg, de Lagarde was determined to regain her independence.
Eighteen months later, she has adjusted to her new reality with the help of advanced AI-powered prosthetics. Utilizing machine learning, her new prosthetic arm and hand allow her to perform daily tasks confidently and effortlessly. She has even surpassed expectations by reaching the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro.
Despite challenges like weight and lack of tactile feedback, de Lagarde’s experience underscores the broader impact of AI in healthcare, offering hope and improved functionality to those facing similar challenges.
Achieving a point where prosthetic limbs are indistinguishable from biological ones remains a distant goal. Modern prosthetics often demonstrate speed delays, limited dexterity, and functionality, making them less agile than biological limbs. Users of myoelectric devices frequently face challenges in control, which highlights the need for ongoing innovation in bionic prosthetics and orthotics. One promising alternative explored is the peripheral nerve interface, which provides a more efficient control method than traditional EMG sensors.
This approach uses implanted electrodes to read signals from the nerves directly, offering a more intuitive and responsive experience. However, integrating such advanced technologies brings its own challenges, including the technology’s complexity and the requirement for extensive user training.
The future of prosthetics and orthotics is set for significant advancements, especially with the development of fully sensory feedback systems that could enable users to feel objects they touch, bridging the gap between artificial and biological limbs. Research actively explores connections between prosthetics and the somatosensory system, indicating potential breakthroughs in the coming decade. Meanwhile, orthotic devices are evolving with AI-enhanced systems that offer dynamic support, such as smart orthotic braces for scoliosis, which adjust in real time to optimize spinal alignment and comfort.
A significant technological innovation from China is poised to transform the prosthetics industry. Researchers at the University of Science and Technology have created a cutting-edge robotic hand to enhance the quality of life for individuals with upper limb amputations. This advanced prosthetic provides remarkable freedom of movement with 19 degrees of freedom, closely resembling the 23 degrees present in a human hand. Its lightweight design, weighing only 370 grams, is made feasible by shape memory alloys (SMA) that act as artificial muscles, allowing the prosthetic to return to its original shape when heated, thereby eliminating the need for bulky motors. An advanced cooling module regulates the heat from the SMA actuators, facilitating extended use without compromising functionality.
The prosthetic also includes a biomimetic mechanism with artificial tendons, boosting the force of the SMAs and reducing resistance for smooth, natural movement. With 23 sensors distributed across the fingers and wrist, it provides unparalleled precision control. Advanced voice control, which supports over 60 languages and 20 dialects, improves accessibility.
Beyond prosthetics, this technology has potential applications in advanced robotics, particularly in next-generation humanoids, and could redefine the future of assistive robotics. As these technologies advance, mass production and technological efficiencies could reduce costs, making these devices more accessible and improving the quality of life for many.
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