Trends Shaping the Future of Prosthetics

From robotic to real? We are entering a new era of mind-controlled limbs. Neuroprosthetic limbs are no longer science fiction, they are rapidly transforming into natural extensions of the human body. A remarkable new review by Tian, Kemp and colleagues in Annals of Neurology lays out how brain and nerve interfaces are now converging to restore true limb function, especially when following a devastating injury, disease or amputation. Key Points: - The authors teach us that by combining brain-computer interfaces or BCIs w/ peripheral nerve signals, a generation of future prosthetics may be able to interpret intention and deliver real-time sensory feedback. - The advances are bringing us closer to natural limb function. - Advanced surgical techniques like targeted muscle reinnervation (TMR) and regenerative peripheral nerve interfaces (RPNIs) are facilitating nerves communicating w/ prosthetics through reinnervated muscle. - The overarching idea is to create a natural signal amplifier. - Users are beginning to feel texture, pressure and temperature. - Are we reawakening a sense of ownership over the limb? My take: There were 5 points that resonated w/ me about where prosthetic limbs are headed. 1- Today's prosthetic hands are smarter than ever. These hands can grab, hold and even feel objects w/ increasing precision. 2- We are learning to plug into the brain and it seems to be working. Thought controlled limbs are now entering real world trials. 3- Rewiring nerves into muscles offers more clear signals, improved speed, better accuracy and hopefully more natural movement. 4- One day a prosthetic limb may not just replace a lost one, but could it do the unthinkable and surpass it in function? 5- We are moving from clunky robots to more intuitive life like limbs. I think this story is not just about mobility, it’s about restoring human dignity. The future of neuroprosthetics will be more personal, intelligent and 'deeply human.' https://lnkd.in/d9XvqTBU Parkinson's Foundation Norman Fixel Institute for Neurological Diseases International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society

🦾🌈 Empowering Lives: The Impact of AI on Modern Prosthetics 🌈🦾 🦾 Imagine a world where individuals with limb loss can control prosthetics with the same finesse as natural limbs. Thanks to groundbreaking AI innovations, that world is becoming a reality. 🚀 By tailoring prosthetic devices to the unique needs of each user, AI ensures a perfect fit and unparalleled functionality. 🌟 For instance, the LUKE Arm and the Össur Proprio Foot utilize AI to adapt to users' movements, making prosthetics not just functional but a seamless extension of the body. Incredible advancements in AI-driven #Prosthetics are creating brain-machine interfaces that connect directly to the user's nervous system. This cutting-edge tech interprets neural signals to translate them into movements, mimicking natural limb functions. 🧠🔗 From sensing wetness and temperature to distinguishing textures, the sophistication and dexterity of AI-supported prosthetics are setting new standards. 🌐 With each leap forward, they're restoring not just functionality, but dignity and independence to countless lives. While challenges remain in accurately interpreting neural signals, the future is bright. 🌈 Researchers are optimistic about AI making prosthetics even smarter, more responsive, and closer to natural limbs. 🤖 #HealthcareInnovation #AI #MachineLearning #Prosthetics #FutureOfAI #TechForGood

🚨 Toward the development of user-centered neurointegrated lower limb prostheses 👏🏽 Very interesting article about the current state of #prosthetics & the device deficiencies with respect to user needs. It also discusses future opportunities & challenges related to improving functionality & user experience. 📊 The tables and figures nicely compile & synthesize many relevant factors, considerations and technologies. 💡 The discussion about the major difficulties related to reliable device control, intent recognition & sensory feedback are particularly insightful, & worth reading for anyone doing R&D on prosthetics or other wearable robotic devices like #exoskeletons. Brief excerpt: "Even though impressive progress has been made with the use of machine learning applied to prostheses, we are still in need of an efficient and ‘faultless’ control scheme. Classification performances above 90% can be reached, but the drawbacks of a classification error potentially leading to patient’s fall regarding health and confidence in the prosthesis are so severe to render a 10% or even a 5% error probability not acceptable. Consequently, it is necessary to seek another candidate for controlling prosthetic legs." 👇🏽 Check out the full article linked below.

The Future Walks on a SoftFoot Nature has spent millions of years perfecting the human foot—an intricate masterpiece of bones, tendons, and muscles that absorb impact, adapt to terrain, and propel us forward with unmatched efficiency. Now, technology is catching up. Meet SoftFoot Pro, a game-changing prosthetic foot that mimics the biomechanics of a real human foot—without motors, just pure engineering brilliance. Developed by the Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT) and the University of Pisa, this flexible, waterproof prosthetic is not just for people with limb loss. It’s also designed for the humanoid robots of the future. What makes it special? ✅ A built-in windlass mechanism – just like the natural plantar fascia, storing and releasing energy with every step. ✅ Adapts to uneven terrain – rigid prosthetics struggle with slopes, but this one flexes and conforms. ✅ Lightweight yet strong – supports up to 100kg, with cutting-edge materials from aerospace and automotive tech. ✅ Artificial intelligence in its purest form – not software, but design. It doesn’t just simulate a foot; it behaves like one. This is biomimicry at its best: taking cues from nature to build technology that moves, balances, and interacts with the world like we do. A foot designed for humans—but also for the future of robotics. Innovation keeps bringing us closer to nature. What other human abilities do you think technology should replicate next? 🚀 #ai #tech #robotics