In this first part in this four part series, we will be talking about the constantly progressing technology and implementation of robotic prosthesis.
What is robotic prosthesis?
Prosthesis is the attachment of an artificial device, usually to replace a missing body part, in most cases lost through, trauma, disease or genetics. In the past, the replacement of body parts were primarily static in motion, and didn't offer the same sort of movement that was previous able. This inflexibility, meant that in the case of prosthetic legs, it caused sent the vibrations from the impact of walking back upwards towards the rest of their body, causing discomfort.
However in the case of robotic prosthesis, the artificial device is made of robotics, which allows for much greater movement that can mimic the motions of the missing body part, reducing the impact from daily tasks.
How is it implemented?
In order to mimic the motion of the missing body part, the robotic limb has a controller that is connected to the user's nerve and muscular systems. Which sends intention commands from the user to the actuators of the device, and interprets feedback from the mechanical and bio sensors to the user. The actuator mimics the actions of a muscle, producing similar force and movement through the use of motors. This means that even if the body is paralysed, as long as the brain can send signals to the nerves, connected to the actuator, this can enable movement of robotic limbs. The process of controlling robotic through the controller connected to the nerves, requires a great deal of training and rehabilitation, which limits the ability to control multiple robotic limbs simultaneously.
As previously stated there were design limitations of passed implementations, such as lack of motion to accommodate daily activities. Quite recently most of the robotic prosthesis required a harness which became uncomfortable to wear after extended periods of time and, limited the range of motion due to how it was mounted.
However there has been a recent improvement in the technology used, allowing for a more natural and fluent range of motion, without the use of a harness to restrict the motion. To overcome the need for a harness, a process called osseointegration has replaced it Osseointegration is the process that fixes a titanium implant into the marrow space of bone in the residual limb. This process is ground breaking development and allows for further improvement in the field of prosthesis. The main concern is with the distribution of this new technology, as it is currently only prototypes are available in the laboratory. Much of the technological advancements that are being researched need to be tested before they are able to be deployed, for ethical reasons.
To conclude the field of robotic prosthesis is constantly growing and being developed to further mimic human motion and assisting amputees in performing day to day activities. The technology does not just include engineering but also relies heavily on the cognitive and biological functions of the patients.
References
Macdonald, C., 2016. Man moves his robotic arms with his THOUGHTS. Daily Mail, 13 January. Available at: <http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-3397823/Man-moves-robotic-arms-MIND-brain-controlled-prosthetic-attaches-implant-patient-s-bone.html> [Accessed 9 August 2016].
@matthewshaer, F. and Shaer, M., 2014. Is this the future of robotic legs? Smithsonian. Available at: <http://www.smithsonianmag.com/innovation/future-robotic-legs-180953040/?no-ist> [Accessed 9 August 2016].
Murphy, M., 2015. This mind-controlled prosthetic robot arm lets you actually feel what it touches11 September. Available at: <http://qz.com/500572/this-mind-controlled-prosthetic-robot-arm-lets-you-actually-feel-what-it-touches/> [Accessed 9 August 2016].
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