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The challenges for research and development in the field of prosthetics continue to expand, particularly in the areas materials used for their construction.

By Mitchell Duncan, Technical Writer

The field of prosthetics is both an old and varied one that commences in Cairo with the discovery of an artificial toe on the mummified body of an ancient Egyptian noblewoman, who lived C950 BC. That toe was made of moulded and stained wood, its components bound together with leather thread.

Today prosthetics is supported by a sophisticated, multidisciplinary science that produces replacement body parts ranging from soft tissue implants to computer controlled exoskeletons.

While any statement that the engineering future for prosthetics is seemingly limitless may seem trite; the fact is that it may now be feasible for an amputee to make their own replacement limb for only a few hundred Pounds.

The possibilities of low-cost, 3D printing

The challenges for research and development continue to expand, particularly in the areas materials used for their construction. These material include plastics and other materials, e.g., carbon fibre, allow these limbs to be stronger and lighter, and reduce the energy required to use the limb.

The area that presents the most potential, at least for the largest group of developers, is the ability to manufacture low cost, microprocessor-controlled prosthetic limbs. This field of engineering has become more exciting and accessible with the ubiquity of cheap computing power and the advent of 3D printing. 3D printing is not a new technology, but it has only recently become readily available at a cost that permits widespread use. 3D printers can produce physical objects originating from computer drafted designs and use plastics, metals and other materials as their construction medium.

In developed countries, 3D printing has found application in the manufacture of devices for plastic and reconstructive surgery. These include units including implants, plates, and other surgical devices, customised to the individual patient. Moreover, in resource-poor countries 3D printers are being used to manufacture basic medical supplies, such as small splints and clamps, for pennies each.

Computer-controlled prosthetics

An even more challenging and exciting frontier is the application of computer engineering to the interfacing and control of prosthetics. The result is a myoelectric prosthesis, which uses signals that are under the control of the recipient, from voluntarily contracted muscles to control the movements of the prosthesis. When feedback is added to the device capability, this adds the potential to be a machine learning limb.

Powerful microprocessors are available for a fraction of their price a decade ago. This makes sophisticated computer development platforms easily accessible to professionals and enthusiasts alike. Couple these developments with the most recent advances in artificial intelligence then it becomes apparent that R&D in the area of prosthetics is poised on the brink of a stimulating future.

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