The Aesthetics of Prosthetics: Aimee Mullins
Published on Aug 22, 2012
As a double amputee, Aimee Mullins wanted her prosthetic legs to be beautiful, unique - a reflection of her own style and identity. Tune in to this very personal episode of Epiphany, as Aimee Mullins explores the intersection of form and function.
Bionic arm trumps flesh after elective amputation
Published on Feb 24, 2015
Three people with paralysed arms had their hands amputated and replaced by prosthetic ones that they control with their mind
Full story: "Men have hands amputated and replaced with bionic ones"
by Hal Hodson
February 25, 2015
Giving robots and prostheses the human touch - Science Nation
Published on Apr 6, 2015
Research engineers and students in the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Biomechatronics Lab are designing artificial limbs to be more sensational, with the emphasis on sensation.
With support from the National Science Foundation (NSF), the team, led by mechanical engineer Veronica J. Santos, is constructing a language of touch that both a computer and a human can understand. The researchers are quantifying this with mechanical touch sensors that interact with objects of various shapes, sizes and textures. Using an array of instrumentation, Santos' team is able to translate that interaction into data a computer can understand.
The data is used to create a formula or algorithm that gives the computer the ability to identify patterns among the items it has in its library of experiences and something it has never felt before. This research will help the team develop artificial haptic intelligence, which is, essentially, giving robots, as well as prostheses, the "human touch."
The research in this episode is supported by NSF award #1208519, NRI-Small: Context-Driven Haptic Inquiry of Objects Based on Task Requirements for Artificial Grasp and Manipulation. NRI is the acronym for the National Robotics Initiative.
Cyborg Beast: A $50 3D Printed Prosthetic Hand
Published on Jun 16, 2014
Video transcript: Jose Delgado Jr. has long been familiar with prosthetics since he was born missing a severe amount of his left hand. One of his most recent models, a myoelectric prosthesis, cost thousands of dollars and affords him a weak grip powered by his forearm muscles. 3D printing on the other hand offered a prosthetic with a seemingly comic book, superhero inspired name, the Cyborg Beast. With a total cost of $50 for the prosthetic (printer sold separately) Delgado's new 3D printed prosthetic hand proved more functional and stronger than his latest myoelectric hand.
The design for the Cyborg Beast arrived after a consolidated creative effort, derived from the Robohand by Ivan Owen and Richard van As. The final product requires a few hardware pieces, Velcro and padding. Yet with these extra materials, the price still sits at $50 versus the "high-tech" myoelectric prosthetic over $40,000.
With Cyborg Beast Delgado can now trust using his left hand to drive. At some point in the near future, it will seem absurd for those with access not to take such full advantage of 3D printing. As is the case with the Cyborg Beast, 3D printing not only offers a functional replacement, but an improvement over what until recently would be considered cutting-edge technology. More stories in mainstream media hail 3D printing as the technology of the future, yet it is apparent that 3D printing is here now, ready for the willing.
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