The human body is now more integrated with technology than ever before, reaching levels that were unimaginable just decades ago. Superhuman strength, agility, and enhanced senses are no longer the stuff of science fiction but are becoming a reality, according to Futurism.
While advanced technology provides us with a glimpse into the potential capabilities of future humans, it is especially beneficial today for people affected by disabilities. Modern prosthetics are replacing lost limbs, organs, and even senses. In some cases, technology can enhance typical bodily functions.
Here are five remarkable examples of present-day prosthetics that showcase how far we've come—and hint at where we might go in the future:
1. Hearing Colors: Neil Harbisson’s Antenna
Artist Neil Harbisson was born without the ability to see colors. In 2004, he had an electronic antenna implanted at the base of his skull. This device converts light frequencies into vibrations that his brain interprets as sounds, allowing him to hear colors.
Remarkably, these frequencies even extend beyond the visual spectrum, enabling Harbisson to perceive invisible wavelengths such as infrared and ultraviolet.
2. Luke Arm: Restoring the Sense of Touch
The Luke Arm, named after Star Wars’ character Luke Skywalker, is an incredibly advanced prosthetic limb that allows its wearer to regain a sense of touch. A specialized motor simulates the resistance offered by different physical objects, meaning the user can sense that a cushion provides less resistance than a brick. The final design received FDA approval in 2014.
The arm’s electronic sensors receive signals from the wearer’s muscles, which the device translates into physical movement. Users can control multiple joints simultaneously through foot-operated switches.
3. Mind-Controlled Leg
In 2012, software engineer Zac Vawter, who lost his leg above the knee in 2009, became the first person to use a mind-controlled mechanical leg. This technology, known as Targeted Muscle Reinnervation (TMR), translates brain signals into physical movement. Initially developed in 2003 for upper-body prosthetics, TMR was later adapted to operate this high-quality leg.
4. Bebionic Hand: Precision and Power
Bebionic, a prosthetics company, has developed some of the most advanced artificial hands in the world, featuring 14 pre-programmed grip patterns. The high-sensitivity motors adjust the grip’s speed and strength in real-time, making the hand gentle enough to hold an egg between the index finger and thumb, yet strong enough to lift up to 45 kilograms.
5. Video Eye
Canadian filmmaker Rob Spence from Toronto replaced his missing right eye with a prosthetic equipped with a video camera that transmits footage wirelessly. Thanks to a partnership with RF Wireless Design and a team of electrical engineers, Spence developed the prosthetic eye's shell, which accommodates a surprising amount of electronics within such a limited space.
These five groundbreaking inventions demonstrate how science and technology are revolutionizing the lives of people with disabilities. By pushing the boundaries of what prosthetics can do, these innovations not only restore lost functions but also enhance the human experience in ways previously thought impossible.
Post a Comment
0Comments