Latest Developments in Prosthetics and Robotics

Imagine being able to control a prosthetic arm with your mind, just as effortlessly as moving your natural limb. Thanks to an AI startup, this is becoming a reality for individuals with limb loss. 𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐃𝐨𝐞𝐬 𝐈𝐭 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐤? The prosthetic uses electrodes placed on the user's residual limb (the remaining part of the arm after amputation). These electrodes detect tiny electrical signals generated by muscles when the user thinks about moving their missing limb. Other components are: - Machine Learning Training: Users undergo a brief training session, typically around five minutes. During this time, they imagine moving their phantom limb in various ways. The system records the muscle signals associated with each intended movement. - AI Interpretation: A machine learning algorithm processes these signals, learning to associate specific patterns with specific movements. This allows the prosthetic to interpret the user's intent with a higher accuracy. - Seamless Control: After training, the user can control the prosthetic arm using their thoughts, making movements feel natural and intuitive. 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭'𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐈𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐞? While using muscle signals to control prosthetics isn't entirely new, the real breakthrough lies in how artificial intelligence enhances this process: - Signal Processing: AI algorithms can interpret complex and nuanced muscle signals more effectively than traditional methods, allowing for more precise control of the prosthetic. - Rapid Learning: The system requires only a short training period, making it user-friendly and accessible. - Continuous Improvement: The AI can adapt over time, refining its interpretations as it learns more about the user's unique signal patterns. It's important to acknowledge that while this technology is promising, it's part of an evolving field. There may be challenges ahead, such as ensuring affordability and accessibility for all who need it. However, the progress made so far is a significant step forward in prosthetic technology. What are your thoughts on integrating AI with prosthetics? Do you see potential for similar innovations in other areas of healthcare or technology? #innovation #technology #future #management #startups

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

A new experimental bionic leg was found to restore natural walking speeds and steps in people with amputated legs. The neuroprosthesis uses sensors placed between the reconstructed amputation site and the bionic leg to transmit electrical signals from the brain. This allows the prosthetic device to sense its position and movement and to send this information back to the patient, enabling a sense of proprioception: the brain’s ability to sense self-movement and location in space. One study, published in the journal Nature Medicine, indicated that participants who’d had the specialized amputation and neuroprosthesis increased their walking speed 41%, matching the ranges and abilities of people without leg amputations. Here's the latest: https://lnkd.in/eUF9KbW9

New 'Smart' prosthetic legs help create a natural gait: 🦿MIT researchers have developed a method allowing full and natural gait control through the amputees own nervous system 🦿The procedure reconnects muscles in the residual limb, allowing patients to receive accurate, real-time feedback about the position of their prosthetic limb while walking 🦿Traditional below-the-knee amputations disrupt muscle interactions, making prosthetic control difficult as people can’t sense where the prosthetic limb is in space 🦿The surgery connects muscle pairs, enabling dynamic communication and neural control over prosthetic legs, producing electrical signals similar to those of an intact limb 🦿Seven patients with this surgery walked faster, avoided obstacles, and climbed stairs more naturally than those with traditional prosthetics 🦿These amputees walked at the same speed as non-amputees and had more natural coordination between their prosthetic and natural limbs 🦿Even though the surgery provides less than 20% of normal sensory feedback, it significantly improves movement control and adaptability 👇Link to article in comments below #healthtech

🦾🌈 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