The Future of

Prosthetics

The Future ofProsthetics

3D-printed

prosthetic

titanium

fitting

nerves

joints

limbs

prosthetic

carbon fiber

neural

motorized

rotatable

stride

flexing

bionic

implants

lightweight

movement

transhumanism

sensors

sockets

skin

arms

innovation

electrodes

interfacedurable

locking

outsole

brain

prosthetic

titanium

neural

motorized

bionic

implants

The actual science of prosthetics has a noble goal: to restore independenceand mobility of individuals who have lost their limbs and enable them to do everyday things most of us take for granted whether it is walking, running, enjoying hobbies, or expressing their individualities.

The actual science of prosthetics has a noble goal: to restore independenceand mobility of individuals who have lost their limbs and enable them to do everyday things most of us take for granted whether it is walking, running, enjoying hobbies, or expressing their individualities.

5

by Inga Vasiljeva

The what is the why...

Every day people around the world lose

their limbs due to accidents, wars or

diseases which result in amputation of

an individual’s vital body parts responsible

for movement. As a human myself, I

empathize with the shock and grief that

such incidents-inflict to one’s mental state

and physical well-being. This book is

dedicated to the research of innovative

futuristic ideas in prosthetics development

concerned with rehabilitation of mind,

spirit, and body of people who have been

affected by the subject matter directly, or

as onlookers eager to support the cause.

The book is divided into four parts. In the first

and second parts of the book I have

researched examples that demonstrate

usefulness of emerging 3d-printing

technology as well as importance and use

4

of new materials in manufacturing of pros-

thetic limbs. The second part of the book

deals with movement and futuristic design

ideas geared towards enabling prior disabled

individuals to have an active and fulfilling

lifestyle. The third part of the book explores

prosthetics from the standpoint of art and

design The research involves images and

descriptions of artfully designed prosthetics

presenting an evidence that well designed

prosthetics can become an integral

component in expressing one’s individuality,

and can also be a fashion statement. The

fourth and the last part of the book transcends

into realm of futuristic vision of bionic

engineering of prosthetics. It is an instance

when a human and machine operates as a

unified body through electrical implants wired

to human muscles to cause instantaneous

response to stimuli and movement that is

lifelike.

5

The what is the why...

©Igor Zimmermann for Nike

Table of Contents

Not Impossible [Labs] Bespoke Innovations

The Alternative Limb Projectdesign concept by Ben King design concept by Shunji Yamanaka

Össur ProstheticsRehabilitation Institute of Chicago prosthetics DARPA's Modular Prosthetic LimbTouch Bionics Prosthetics

Nike's Air Jordan prosthetic leg The Outfeet prosthetic leg Murr-ma amphibious prostheticsAdidas Impetus soccer prosthetics Adidas Symbiosis prosthetics

1. 3D-printed prosthetics

3. Fashion and Movement

4. Bionic Prosthetics

5. Refefences

2. Sports and Movement

7

A California media and technology company is using 3D printing to provide hands and arms for amputeesin South Sudan and the war-torn Nuba Mountains. In November, Not Impossible printed a prosthetic hand that allowed a teenager to feed himself for the first time in two years.

NOT Impossible [labs] 3D-printed prosthetics

1

8

The world's first 3D-printing prosthetic lab and training facility Sudan's Nuba Mountains

9

Bespoke Innovations

San Francisco-based Bespoke Innovations builds and sells custom-designed prosthetic human body parts created from 3D printing machines. The printers generate limb casings wrapped in embroidered leather, metal, or other materials.

3D-printed prosthetic

limbs

10

Company co-founder Scott Summit built ascanning device to examine limbs using a camera. After the scan, a detailed image is transmitted to a computer and Summit begins sculpting his limb art. 2

11

Scott Summit uses a 3D printer to create plastic shells that fit around the prosthetic limbs, and then wraps the shells in any flexible material the customer desires. Then the custom prosthesis is printed using 3D Systems Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) equipment.

We want people to provide input and select their options

Furthermore, Scott Summit and his orthopedic surgeon partner Kenneth B.Trauner build test models of complete legs that have sophisticated features such as body symmetry, locking knees,and flexing ankles.

12

body symmetry, locking knees, and flexing ankles

One artistic design is metal-plated in some areas and leather-wrapped in others. It costs $5,000 to $6,000 to print one of these legs, and it has features that are not available in existing prosthetic legs that cost $60,000 today,

13

Scott Summit uses a 3D printer to create plastic shells that fit around the prosthetic limbs, and then wraps the shells in any flexible material the customer desires. Then the custom prosthesis is printed using 3D Systems Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) equipment.

Nike’s Air Jordan prosthetic leg Sports and Movement designed by Colin Matsco

14

Nike’s Air Jordan prosthetic leg has been designed by Colin Matsco. The Air Jordan prosthetic leg has been created using 3-Dimensional printing to especially cater to the needs of young urban male athletes. 3-D printing technology is a powerfultool to come up with customized products such prosthetic legs, for specific users. This project also involved syncing with the emotional, physical, medical and lifestyle modifications the users will come across. 3

15

The Outfeet prosthetic leg Sports and Movementdesigned by Aviya Serfaty

The Outfeet prosthetic leg has been designed by Aviya Serfaty in an endeavor to infuse natural human-like qualities into artificial prosthetic limbs.

Aviya has created this prosthetic leg exclusively for women who prefer prosthetics with a fashion appeal. The Outfeet prosthetic leg is made of lightweight carbon fiber along with adjustable knobs and an artificial arch on the sole, making it an extension of natural movement.

The Outfeet prosthetic leg can also be covered with various attractive skins to co-ordinate with apparel without adding any extra weight to the limb. This prosthetic leg comes with a separate heel, which can be attached to match with occasion or detached for easy commuting. 4

17

...a way to make the beaches accessible to more people

Murr-ma amphibious prostheticsSports and Movement

concept design by Julia Johnson, Thomas Essl, Yuki Machida,and Damien Rocca

Teams from the U.K. and Australia collaborated on a way to make the beaches accessible to more people. They focused on making an amphibious lower leg prosthetic called Murr-ma that can function on the sand and in the water. 5

When we think lower leg prosthetics, we generally think about something to help people walk or run on the ground. Which is of course where we spend the vast majority of our time. But according to a recent U.N. report, over 44% of the world’s population lives within 150 kilometers (93 miles) of oceanic coasts. Which means we also like to spend a lot of time on the beach or in the water.

19

Aurelian Dantin researched that there were 5 millions amputees in the world including 40,000 sportsmen.

Adidas impetus soccer prosthetics Sports and Movementconcept design by Aurelien Dantin

Aurelien Dantin created a futuristic concept prosthetic leg aimed to integrate dissabled soccer players within a valid team. 6

21

Sports and Movementconcept design by Randall Puzzitiello

Adidas Symbiosis prosthetics

22

Replacing the pistons, motors and struts with organic mechanisms, designer Randall Puzzitiello has come up with a new prosthetic concept dubbed the“Symbiosis” that helps the users perform their task in a more efficient manner. Developed for Adidas, the new aid not only improves the function of the leg but also the aesthetics, thanks to the sporty design. 7

23

Adidas Symbiosis continued...

The new prosthetic limb is intended toward those who want it to look more like the human body and use the current technology as a sensible fashion.

Combining the organic aspects with the automatic, theAdidas Symbiosis gives both the human and mechanical touch to the user. Using the materials, such as carbon fiber, sorbothane, aluminum and electromagnetic steel, found in human body, the new prosthetic limb simulates the function more organically, if compared to its counterparts availableon the market. Substituting the human muscles with electromagnets, the Symbiosis sends wirelesssignal to its lower section to allow natural movement, while an implant at the end guides the patient to control remaining nerves for effortless functioning.

24

25

Fashion and Movementdesign by Scott Summit

Bespoke Innovations 3D printed prosthetics

Scott Summit is designing prosthetics legs using 3D printing. He is harnessing the power of 3D modelization and 3D printing technologies to create prosthetics legs that are totally personal.

With 3D printing, he can design prosthetics that are a moving and personal body parts that help people take personal control of these intimate objects, with style.

An amazing example that shows the power of 3D printingfor creating complex and personal objects that combine beauty and usability. 8

27

Once the scanning process is complete, the customization of the Fairing is directed by the user. He or she may select from an array of form templates, patterns, tattoos, materials, metal plating, graphics—whatever it takes to make the end-product entirely and absolutely personalized, and personal to them. We developed an online tool called the "Configurator" which allows users to explore and apply a range of design styles to see how the end-result might appear. Although there are quite a few options from which to choose, we are always looking to build on the range of materials, finishes, patterns, and graphics we offer. If you have a suggestion, please let us know.

Bespoke Innovations 3D printed prosthetics continued...

We believe that if you're going to create something that will be an intimate part of someone's body and outward expression, then that's really the only way to do it. Here's how it works:

We use image-based 3D scanning technology to capture images of both the "sound side" leg and the prosthetic leg in under a minute. A 3D computer model results, and a mirrored "sound side" leg is then superimposed over the prosthetic leg. This way, the wearer is given their body symmetry back, at least to the greatest degree possible. Bilateral amputees can find a "stand-in" who approximates their original or preferred shape. We can help customers find a stand-in if assistance is needed.

28

The advent of 3D printing has allowed us to build something based on the unique shape of a particular user, modify it with our designs, and turn it into something physical that can be worn. The resulting products are flexible, durable, and lightweight.

29

30

31

Fashion and Movementdesign concept by Ben King

Prosthetic limb

Prosthetic leg concept - It's essentially a fairing designed around an existing prosthetic to provide the wearer the opportunity to let their prosthetic have shape and be more expressive. With rapid prototyping, the potential to create custom designs is readily available. Bespoke Innovations (bespokeinnovations.com) already provides this service. I just wanted to develop my own interpretation!

Projected pattern

Early concept - Rough modeling of some early concepts exploring abstract exaggerations of muscles. Designing around an imported scan of a leg.

9

32

33

The alternative Limb Project Prosthetics as art and designdesigned by Sophie de Oliveira Barata's studio

34

as objects that are worn boldly — not hidden from sight...

The “Alternative Limb Project” was born in the mind of the designer Sophie de Oliveira Barata, who had the idea to reconsider the approach of prosthetics, using the regard of art and design,

Her design studio has thinked three trends, “realistic”, “surreal” and “unreal”, and now has created some absolutely gorgeous prostheticlegs or arms,

10

35

The unreal options, like the stereo and crystallized prostheses of model and singer Viktoria Modesta, can incorporate other materials like metals, crystals, and even secret compartments.

36

Upon consultation Sophie will take a cast of your sound side or use a donor foot/hand if you are bilateral. She will take colour readings, photographs, and discuss ideas with you should you want something a little different.

If your prosthesis is in direct contact with the skin, (e.g finger, toe, partial foot or hand) a test piece will be made so that your prosthetist can check the fitting. If they are not happy with this, Sophie will make modifications and repeat the process. When we are all satisfied with the fitting, the limb will be created.

You will be invited to the studio to be a live model as the limb is sculpted. If you are opting for something a little more unusual you will be invited to assist in design decisions.

Process

37

38

39

Fashion and Movementdesign concept by Shunji Yamanaka

Prosthetic limb

Industrial designer and University professor Shunji Yamanaka has recently posted a photo of a prosthetic leg he’s developing. What’s interesting about this prosthetic is that it makes no attempt at looking like a real leg but sports an elegant futuristic design.

According to the Prof. Yamanaka about 8,000 Japanese people need prosthetic limbs, however most choose not to wear them as it is very difficult to find ones which are convincing enough to pass of as real. So he was inspired to create fully functional prosthesis that are in and of themselves works of art.

The model in the above for photo is a female athlete who regularly runs with a prosthetic leg. Though what she wore for the photo shoot was only a mock up that could not be used for walking, she expressed that she was pleased with the leg and the professor’s project. 11

40

41

Fashion and Movement continued...

12

43

The battery-powered device uses cutting edge bionic technology to adapt to a person's stride, speed andthe type of ground and can help prevent stumbles. It was developed by the Icelandic company Össur, waslaunched at London's Science Museum. It is alreadyused by the German Health Service as well as private health care providers in Europe.

Motorized Movement

Össur Prosthetics

12

44

45

Motorized Movement

46

A spokesman said: "The Power Knee offers above-knee amputees an opportunity for true rehabilitation for the first time. The knee encourages users to become more active and take on activities that they may otherwise prefer to avoid."

47

Zac Vawter climbed all 103 flights of stairs of the WillisTower in Chicago. Vawter, who lost his legdue to motorcycle accident, happened climb more than 2,000 steps while wearing a prosthetic leg. Even crazier yet? Vawter could control this prosthetic leg with his mind, sending instructions from his brain, down through nervesthat would communicate with his mechanical limb.

Motorized Movement

Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago Prosthetics

48

Since around 2005, Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago (RIC)in Illinois has been working on a method called targeted muscle reinnervation, which reappropriates nerves from an amputated limbs to healthy muscles. In the case of Vawter, nerves from his lower leg were reattached to healthy hamstring muscles.

“This person has essentially been rewired,” explains Dr. Levi Hargrove, one of RIC’s lead researchers on the project. So essentially, the neural impulses that are sent from the brain–the ones telling the body to stand, walk or change positions communicate with the prosthetic leg through sensors, and a computer then translates those instructions into actions.

Over time, an algorithm learns the patterns of a user’s intended actions and can begin to react to their thoughts, thus making a mechanical limb function intuitively or a least lot more like a normal human leg. 13

49

50

A technology like this is obviously attractive to the military, and $8 million in funding proves that. But while the RIC team was working with the department of defense in administering this technology to wounded veterans, it was focused mostly on upper body prosthetics. “The Army said, ‘We love the technology, but we have there are 10 times more leg amputations than arm amputations–can you do anything to improve the control of prosthetic legs?”

People have been using neural information to control prosthetic limbs for decades, but all of them have been for the upper-body. Legs, on the other hand, are a little more difficult to control, and it was until recently that the technology was advanced enough—and light enough—to really even begin thinking about making a prosthetic limb like this. “All of the innovation will come to the electronics,” says Reinecke, adding that around 10 years ago the sensors and materials would have made a leg like this around 300 pounds.

Today, thanks to lightweight materials like graphite and micro-technologies, the leg is around 10.2 pounds and the research team is shooting to get it under 10. The research still has a ways to go. Error rates, which mostly refer to the number of times a user scuffs his or her feet on the ground while walking, need to be lowered in order to reduce falls. And Freedom Innovations still has alot of work to do translate a research-based technologyinto a consumer product. For as sophisticated as the legis, it still could be lighter, and the machine-like noise could stand to be more subtle.

Everyone involved says they hope to have something on the market for clinical testing in as little as two to three years. In consumer time that feels like an eternity away, but in science it’s a remarkably quick pace. “Five years ago I thought there was no way to achieve all that we’ve achieved,” says Hargrove.

51

Motorized Movementdesign concept by John Hopkins University Applied Physics Lab

DARPA's Modular Prosthetic Limb

52

Recent developments with the arm include "neural integration," using small surgically implanted wireless devices allowing the user to directly control the arm with his or her thoughts, just like a real arm. This seven-millimeter long device, called a cuff electrode, can convey feelings from sensors on a prosthetic hand or fingers when attached to a peripheral nerve in the arm stump. The arm is currently moving through the FDA approval process. 14

53

The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency is working in unison with the Department of Veterans Affairs and the DEKA Research and Development Corporation to manufacture and study advanced upper-extremity prosthetics to benefit Soldiers, other servicemembers and civilians.

While DARPA is spearheading the research for the program, DEKA will manufacture prototypes, and the VA will work with both agencies to provide patients, medical experts and conduct clinical studies.

54

55

"The i-limb, a bionic prosthetic hand, is currently the most advanced artificial hand available. Each finger is independently driven by a motor and fully articulate. The thumb is rotatable through 90 degrees, so the hand replicates the function of a human hand.The hand is controlled by electrical impulses created by contracting muscles, which are picked up by electrodes in the wrist and interpreted by a computer in the back of the hand. "

Touch, Grip, and Movement

Touch Bionics Prosthetics

15

56

57

In 2009 Meyer, a social psychologist at the University of Zurich, was fitted with an i-limb, a state-of-the-art bionic prosthesis developed by a Scottish company, Touch Bionics, that comes with an aluminium chassis and 24different grip patterns. To select a new suite of gestures, Meyer simply taps an app on his iPhone. "The engineering," he says, balancing a Biro between his purring electronicfingers. "It's part of me and I'm proud of it."

Since appearing in the Channel 4 documentary How to Build a Bionic Man, in which he allowed engineers to build a robotic replica of the rest of his body complete with artificial heart, lungs and an alarming prosthetic likenessof his face, Meyer has become something of a poster boyfor "transhumanism". Encompassing everything from robotic limbs to memory- enhancing neural implants to gene therapies that slow ageing, transhumanism (or posthumanism) concerns the technologies and drugs that are rapidly altering the limits of human performance, as well as notions about what we might look like in future. 16

58

59

References

2

1

3

4

Ni [Labs]. (2013, December). Project Daniel. Retrieved February 10, 2014 from http://media.wix.com/ugd/9bcbad_b72353c d3bed48f49391924d4a7448a9.pdf

5

6 UniversalDesignStyle, "Murr-ma | Amphibious Lower Leg Prosthetic". http://www.universaldesignstyle.com/, February 10, 2014<http://www.universaldesignstyle.com/murr-ma-amphibious-lower-leg-prosthetic/>

"Adidas impetus soccer prosthetics". February 10, 2014 <http://conceptkicks.com/adidas-impetus-soccer-prosthetic-concept-by-aurelien-dantin/>

"Adidas impetus soccer prosthetics".

February 10, 2014 <http://conceptkicks.com/adidas-impetus-soccer-prosthetic-concept-by-aurelien-dantin/>

7

8

ESHI INTERNATIOAN PTE LTD, "Prosthetics putting forward extra feet for thephysically challenged", http://www.designbuzz.com/, February 10, 2014 <http://www.designbuzz.com/prosthetics-putting-forward-extra-feet-physically-challenged/

Laura Carrabine. (2010, December). Make Parts Fast. 3D Printers Deliver Competitive Alternative to Traditional Prosthetic Limbs. Retrieved February 10, 2014 from http://www.makepartsfast.com/2010/12/1011/3d-printers- deliver-competitive-alternative-to-traditional-prosthetic-limbs/

Sneek, #1 Endless, (2014, April). Prosthetics putting forward extra feet for the physically challenged. Retrieved February 10, 2014 from http://www.designbuzz.com/prosthetics-putting- forward-extra-feet-physically-challenged/printers-deliver-competitive-alternative-to- traditional-prosthetic-limbs/

Sneek, #1 Endless, (2014, April). Prosthetics putting forward extra feet for the physically challenged. Retrieved February 10, 2014 from http://www.designbuzz.com/prosthetics-putting- forward-extra-feet-physically-challenged/printers-deliver-competitive-alternative-to- traditional-prosthetic-limbs/

The alternative Limb Project. http://www.ufunk.net/, February 10, 2014<http://www.science20.com/news_articles/future_touchsensitive_prosthetic_limbs_realtime_sensory_information-122278> http://www.coroflot.com/benking/Prosthetic-Leg

Dayne Barton,“Designer Prosthetic Limb may give Amputees a Unique Expression of Style”. http://tokyotek.com/, February 10, 2014 http://tokyotek.com/designer-prosthetic-limb-may-give-amputees-a-unique-expression-of-style/

EERY ELEGANCE, "Ne Age Prosthetics". http://eeryelegance.blogspot.com/, February 10, 2014http://tokyotek.com/designer-prosthetic-limb-may-give-amputees-a-unique-expression-of-style/

CLAIRE BATES ,“A step in the right direction: World's first 'thinking' prosthetic leg that follows the motions of the body”. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/, February 10, 2014 http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2010225/Power-Knee-Worlds-thinking-prosthetic-leg-follows-motions-body.html#axzz2Jsd0Ucwc

http://www.wired.com/design/2013/10/is-this-brain-controlled-bionic-leg-the-future-of-prosthetics/#slideid-264521

Dayne Barton,“Designer Prosthetic Limb may give Amputees a Unique Expression of Style”, http://tokyotek.com/, February 10, 2014. http://tokyotek.com/designer-prosthetic-limb-may-give-amputees-a-unique-expression-of-style/ http://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa1300126

http://www.army.mil/article/34906/the-future-of-prosthetics-is-in-your-mind/http://www.touchbionics.com/

http://www.theguardian.com/technology/2013/jun/16/future-robotics-bionic-limbs-disabled

9

10

SCAN.DESIGN.PRINT.™ 3D TECHNOLOGY. http://www.bespokeinnovations.com/, February 10, 2014<http://www.fastcompany.com/1707961/bespoke-innovations-maker-designer-body-parts-gets-fresh-funding>

11

12

13

14

15

16

17