How Mind-Controlled Bionic Arms Fuse To The Body | WIRED

Summary

Dr. Catalan introduces a revolutionary bionic arm that uses osseointegration and implanted electrodes for natural movement and sensation. The arm's design addresses common issues with traditional prosthetics, such as discomfort and lack of control. The technology also includes AI training for the prosthesis to interpret brain signals and reduce phantom limb pain through virtual reality. This innovation in bionics has the potential to transform the lives of amputees.

Takeaways

• 🔌 The bionic arm uses osseointegration to attach directly to the skeleton, avoiding discomfort and weight issues.
• 🤖 Bionics combine biology and electronics to create functional prosthetics.
• 🦾 Traditional prosthetic arms are either purely aesthetic or mechanical, lacking advanced functionality.
• 🧠 Electrodes implanted in muscles and nerves allow for more precise control than surface-mounted ones.
• 🛠️ The bionic arm's design includes an artificial joint for natural movement in cases of double bone amputation.
• 🔋 The prosthesis is powered externally, with the implant acting as a 'USB port' to the nervous system.
• 🧪 The AI in the bionic hand's CPU is trained to interpret brain signals for controlling the prosthesis.
• 💾 Virtual reality is used to train patients and refine the prosthesis' algorithms.
• 👻 The technology can help alleviate phantom limb pain by re-engaging neural resources.
• 🔋 The bionic arm's batteries are interchangeable, lasting a full day like modern smartphones.
• 💪 While bionic limbs can be stronger, achieving the dexterity of a human hand remains a challenge.

Q & A

What is the significance of the bionic arm developed by Dr. Catalan?

The bionic arm developed by Dr. Catalan is a game changer in prosthetics because it is the only one today that uses electrodes implanted in the nerve to provide sensation, offering a more natural and functional prosthetic option for amputees.

What is the context of Dr. Catalan's development of this bionic system?

Dr. Catalan is speaking to us from Ukraine, where war has led to a crisis with more than 15,000 people experiencing amputations, highlighting the urgent need for advanced prosthetic solutions.

How does osseointegration play a role in the bionic arm's installation?

Osseointegration involves implanting a titanium structure directly into the skeleton, which allows for a strong attachment to the residual limb without the discomfort and weight associated with traditional sockets.

What challenges does the team face when implanting into a residual limb below the elbow?

The challenge with below-the-elbow amputations is the presence of two smaller bones, the radius and the ulna, which move independently. The team developed an artificial joint to allow for these movements while preserving a natural orbit.

Why is it necessary to implant electrodes inside the body for the bionic arm?

Implanting electrodes inside the body reduces the susceptibility to electromagnetic interference that can affect surface electrodes, leading to more reliable control of the prosthetic.

How does the team address the lack of muscle control in an above-the-elbow amputation?

In cases of above-the-elbow amputations, where there is not enough muscle to control all missing joints, the team reconfigures the body's original biological wiring by transferring nerves to different muscle heads.

What is the purpose of training the AI in the bionic hand's CPU?

The AI in the bionic hand's CPU needs to be trained to understand the brain's signals, translating them into actions that control the prosthetic's movements.

How does the virtual reality system aid in patient training?

The virtual reality system is used to train the patient by interpreting signals from the implants to control a virtual limb, preparing the patient for using the actual bionic arm and addressing phantom limb pain.

What is the role of the metal electrode inserted into the muscle?

The metal electrode inserted into the muscle amplifies the brain's signals, acting like a loudspeaker to strengthen the organic signals to control the prosthesis.

How does the bionic hand provide sensation to the patient?

The bionic hand uses sensors in its fingertips that send electrical signals along the original severed nerves to the brain, creating a sensation as if coming from the bionic hand.

What is the typical battery life of the bionic arm, and how is it managed?

A battery in the bionic arm typically lasts a full day, similar to a phone, and is managed by having interchangeable batteries that can be easily switched out when needed.