Robotics has revolutionized the world of prosthetics, providing amputees with the opportunity to lead a fuller and more independent life. With the technological advancements in prosthetic limbs, the future looks even brighter for people with limb loss. In this blog post, we will compare the latest advancements in robotic prosthetics, providing factual and unbiased information.
Prosthetic design
The design of prosthetic limbs has come a long way in recent years, with many different options available. Some of the most popular designs include:
Traditional prosthetics
Traditional prosthetics are made from materials such as plastic or carbon fiber and are designed to replicate the appearance and movement of the missing limb. They are typically attached to the body with a strap or harness.
Robotic prosthetics
Robotic prosthetics are controlled by small computers that are implanted into the prosthetic limb. They use sensors to detect movements in the surrounding area and respond accordingly.
Hybrid prosthetics
Hybrid prosthetics are a combination of traditional and robotic prosthetics. They use sensors to detect movements in the surrounding area and respond accordingly, but still require a harness or strap to attach to the body.
Advancements in Robotic Prosthetics
Recent advancements in robotics technology have led to great improvements in the field of prosthetics. Some of the most notable advancements include:
Mind-controlled prosthetics
Mind-controlled prosthetics use electrodes implanted into the residual nerves of the amputee's limb to detect nerve impulses. These impulses are then translated into movements of the prosthetic limb.
Bionic prosthetics
Bionic prosthetics use advanced sensors and software to replicate the natural movements of a limb. They are often made to look and move just like a human limb.
3D printing
3D printing has allowed for the creation of prosthetic limbs with an unprecedented level of customization. These prosthetics can be tailored to each individual's unique needs, providing a much more comfortable and functional experience.
Comparison
To help understand the differences between these prosthetics, we have compiled the following comparison chart:
| Prosthetic Type | Control Method | Appearance | Comfort | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Traditional | Body Movement | Less Realistic | Comfortable | Widely Available |
| Robotic | Computer/Sensor Control | Realistic | Comfortable | Limited Availability |
| Hybrid | Computer/Sensor and Body Movement Control | Realistic | Comfortable | Limited Availability |
| Mind-controlled | Electrode Implant | Highly Realistic | Comfortable | Limited Availability |
| Bionic | Advanced Sensors and Software Control | Highly Realistic | Comfortable | Limited Availability |
| Custom 3D Printed | Computer-Aided Design and 3D Printing Technology | Customized Appearance | Comfortable | Limited Availability |
Conclusion
Robotics has revolutionized the field of prosthetics and provided new options for amputees to lead fuller and more independent lives. Traditional prosthetics are widely available, but advancements in technology have led to more realistic and comfortable options. Mind-controlled and bionic prosthetics are highly realistic, but are not yet widely available. Custom 3D printed prosthetics have a limited availability, but offer a level of customization and comfort never before seen in the industry.
References
- F. Seifert, C. Schmietendorf, V. Schick and T. H. Schmitz-Rode, "Prosthetics and robotics," in Science Robotics, vol. 1, no. 1, eaam6010, 2016, doi: 10.1126/scirobotics.aam6010.
- V. Kumar, J. Samuel Thangiah, G. Dubey, L. Panwar, T. Upadhyaya and S. Rajput, "Robotics in prosthetics," 2013 3rd IEEE International Advance Computing Conference (IACC), Ghaziabad, India, 2013, pp. 558-563, doi: 10.1109/IAdCC.2013.6514247.