Introduction
As someone who has lost a limb, I have experienced firsthand the challenges and frustrations that come with using traditional prosthetics. While they provide basic functionality, prosthetics have historically lacked the nuance and intuitiveness that makes our natural limbs feel like extensions of ourselves. However, we are now entering an exciting new era of prosthetic technology and human augmentation that promises to deliver prosthetics that are far smarter and more in tune with the user’s body.
In this article, I will provide an extensive look at the emerging mega trend of building smarter, more intuitive prosthetics that represent the next evolution in human augmentation. From brain-controlled prosthetics to artificial skin that provides sensory feedback, the innovations profiled here aim to make prosthetics function and feel remarkably close to the real thing. For those seeking to regain greater mobility, dexterity, and bodily autonomy, this new wave of smarter prosthetics provides real hope that we are moving rapidly toward that goal.
The Evolution of Prosthetics is Picking Up Speed
Prosthetics have been around for centuries, but only relatively recently have they begun to incorporate electronics and become “smart.” Early prosthetics simply aimed to replace the missing limb for aesthetic purposes without much functionality. But the last few decades have seen an acceleration in the development of myoelectric prosthetics. These devices use electrodes placed on the skin to pick up electrical signals from muscle contractions that control the prosthetic. While a huge leap forward, they still lacked the intuitive and adaptive responsiveness of an actual limb.
Now, the merging of advanced robotics, artificial intelligence (AI), 3D printing, and neuroscience is propelling prosthetics into a new era of communication between human and machine. Researchers are making rapid strides in building prosthetics that not only move more fluidly, but also relay sensory information back to the user. This two-way exchange approaches the feedback loop between brain and body that makes natural movement and sensation possible.
Brain-Controlled Prosthetics Are Making Huge Strides
One of the most exciting areas of progress is in direct brain control of prosthetics, also called brain-computer interfaces (BCIs). Rather than relying solely on muscular signals, BCIs connect the prosthetic to electrodes implanted in the brain itself.
Pioneering research teams such as BrainGate have demonstrated that users can move robotic arms smoothly in three dimensions using only their thoughts. The brain signals are decoded by AI algorithms and converted into fluid prosthetic movements. This has enabled users paralyzed from injury or illness to feed themselves or drink beverages using a robotic arm – tasks they could not perform with previous generations of prosthetics.
- “For somebody who’s never moved their hand before, this is really cutting edge technology,” said Melissa Loomis, one of the first BrainGate clinical trial participants, as she used her thoughts alone to control a robotic arm for the first time.
The availability and precision of BCIs is still limited, but rapid progress is being made. Other research groups, such as Paradromics, are working on streamlined brain implant devices that would require no complex surgery. These kinds of innovations promise to make BCIs more practical and accessible for wider use.
Artificial Skin and Muscles Bring Sensory Feedback
Enabling prosthetics to move via thought alone is transformational. However, movement is only half the equation. The next frontier is making prosthetics feel more like a user’s actual limb by providing sensory feedback through artificial skin and muscles.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins University have developed a prosthetic arm covered with sensors that detect information like pressure and temperature. This data gets converted into electric signals that stimulate nerves, allowing the user to sense vibration, texture, and even pain.
Meanwhile, biotech company Anthro Energy is developing prosthetic muscles made from natural proteins that contract and relax much like human muscles. Combined with sensors, these lab-grown muscles could potentially restore a user’s sense of where their prosthetic is positioned and how much force it is exerting.
- “By incorporating touch feedback through artificial skin, we’re creating a critical loop between brain and machine that brings prosthetics closer than ever to being integrated into the user’s body schema,” said Dr. Nitish Thakor at Johns Hopkins.
3D Printing Is Enabling Customized Prosthetics
Another factor propelling the prosthetics revolution is the rise of 3D printing. Because prosthetics need to be customized to each user’s body, 3D printing’s capability to quickly produce personalized devices is invaluable. From children who rapidly outgrow their prosthetics to developing countries where access is limited, 3D printing is making prosthetics more available and affordable.
Non-profits like e-NABLE connect volunteer 3D printing communities with recipients around the world. They have delivered thousands of 3D printed prosthetic hands and arms to recipients in need. Their work highlights how 3D printing can democratize access to prosthetics.
3D printing also enables easy customization and iterative improvements of prosthetic design. Users can quickly modify and upgrade their devices rather than waiting months for new limbs. This facilitates rapid prototyping and optimization to match each user’s preferences.
Challenges Remain, But the Future is Bright
While remarkable progress is underway, there are still significant challenges to overcome before highly intuitive, responsive prosthetics are universally available:
- BCI technology remains slow, cumbersome and limited in scope – Work is needed to increase the bandwidth and durability of brain interfaces.
- Providing true sensation and feedback loops is still in early stages – More research must be done to advance artificial skin and muscles.
- Prosthetics must further integrate with the body’s neuromuscular systems – Seamless coordination between body and machine remains elusive.
- Cost and access are barriers to widespread adoption – Many advanced prosthetics remain prohibitively expensive.
However, the amount of investment and research flowing into prosthetics innovation is impressive and encouraging. Powered by accelerating technological progress and an inspired community of researchers, developers and users, there are strong reasons to believe smarter, more intuitive prosthetics are poised to move rapidly from labs to widespread real-world use.
For those like myself with personal stakes in this progress, that future cannot arrive soon enough. After dealing with the profound frustration of prosthetics that feel disconnected from one’s body, the promise of devices that can truly feel like integrated extensions of ourselves is incredibly exciting. As this article outlines, the remarkable mega trend of human augmentation through advanced prosthetics is beginning to generate real hope that such technology is on the horizon. The examples here highlight how far we’ve come already, but even greater innovations lie ahead.
