Before technology dominated the world, amputees accessed artificial limbs designed to offer aesthetic restoration and basic mobility only. But today, prosthetics are an embodiment of technology. For example, a robotic powered prosthetic that works with AI enables wearers to experience almost natural motion, something that contributes to quality of life. In fact, such advancements are primary factors driving the growth of the advanced prosthetics market to $7.5 billion by 2034, according to Emergen Research. Thanks to futuristic technologies, professionals are finding new ways to develop and fit artificial limbs. And the results include ensuring users lead fulfilling lives, maintaining healthy lifestyle habits, such as being active, regulating emotions, and eating right. In this post, we’ll explore innovative advances in and how they enhance mobility and overall life.
Lightweight, Durable Materials for Comfort
Imagine how wearers of early prosthetics felt using limbs made with wood, metal, and leather. Past models may have been durable but the heavy weight and bulky design caused discomfort and limited flexibility. So, what have biomedical engineers done over the years to address this challenge? They have shifted from heavy metals and wood to light and high-performance metals and fiber polymers. Titanium, for instance, is highly sought after for it’s excellent strength-to-weight ratio, biocompatibility, and corrosion resistance.
Titanium’s biocompatibility, for example, supports osseointegration, meaning it integrates well with human bone, enabling direct attachment to the skeleton. When prostheses connect with bones, especially in hip, joint, and knee replacements, there’s better load transfer, natural sensation, and stability. These capabilities increase the demand durable, lightweight and strong prosthetics increases. To meet consumer needs biomedical manufacturers and clinics source titanium locally. This move is prompting searches for titanium metal near me to locate reputable suppliers for high-grade titanium required to fabricate or customize artificial joints, arms, or legs. Other advanced materials used in prosthetics engineering include carbon fiber composites, high-strength polymers.
3D Printing for Personalization
How did prosthetic fabrication look like before the evolution of tech? It involved manual molding, countless adjustments and fittings, and extensive production time, which made the process expensive. Additive manufacturing or 3D printing in prosthetic production allows for quick prototyping and customization of limbs at low prices. Think about kids who need regular updates to their prosthetics as they grow. 3D printing supports easy and quick adjustments without designing a new device. How’s that possible? During the design process, engineers, prosthetists, and pediatricians account for the child’s growth, age, and activities. Then, include adjustable features or plan for modular modeling, which involves replacing a socket of a foot or hand independently, for instance. This prevents repeating the entire design process.
When engineers use 3D printing, they can easily leverage structures like honeycomb or lattice. These complex internal geometries eliminate unnecessary material usage without sacrificing strength. This results in lighter prosthetics, which are easy to control and less tiring. Lower synthetic limbs with reduced weight, for example, can enhance gait efficiency and promote the user’s endurance. Another advantage of this technology is customization of limbs beyond matching an individual’s anatomy and mobility needs. Someone can have their prosthetics customized with their favorite colors, textures, and designs, which can maximize their comfort and confidence.
AI-enabled Smart Prosthetics
Can we discuss tech innovations in biomedical engineering without touching on AI? Well, modern prosthetics are intelligent and you won’t be wrong to say artificial intelligence is responsible. After all, these tech learns patterns of amputee patients, how often they walk and their every day activities. Then, make necessary adjustments. For instance, say someone is using prosthetics to walk or climb. AI systems make adjustments to a bionic leg or arm, providing better gait and balance. You must be curious of how AI does that. Its simple: it gathers data about the mobility patterns and preferences of individuals using bionic limbs, meaning each interaction with the device is intuitive. AI also evaluates data processed by sensors fitted in limbs to detect the wearer’s temperature, pressure points, and posture. With this info, AI modifies synthetic legs and arms to maintain comfort, stability, and even speed.
The purpose of bionics has shifted from physical restoration only, to providing psychological healing, confidence, and a better lifestyle. AI-powered artificial legs and arms, for instance, promise comfort by adapting to the user’s needs and daily activities. If a patient wants a custom-made bionic with colors or designs they love, additive manufacturing guarantees that. Having light prosthetics makes movement effortless and engineers achieve this with light and long-lasting metals like titanium. Carbon fiber polymers are also useful in designing lighter and durable bionics.