FX.co ★ 5 ways of human body augmentation

Bionic prosthetics

Scientists believe that artificial legs should both provide an effective motor function and a cushioning effect. This effect is achieved through special compact devices and high-capacity batteries which make bionic limbs easy to use. Such advanced prostheses vary in price from $5,000 to $50,000. Thanks to 3D printing technology, this area of medicine is actively developing. According to experts, the market of robotic limbs has a great potential.

Cybernetic hands

This medical innovation is widely spread in the UK, France, and the USA. Open Bionics company in collaboration with the Hanger clinics network has launched the 3D printed Hero Arm. The bionic hand has myoelectric sensors inside it that can decode signals from muscles and the brain. This innovation enables people with disabilities to live a normal life. The cyber limbs and exoskeleton have just one drawback - they lack the sensors to detect human intention. The neural interface can help solve this problem.

Neural interface

This innovation, also called a brain-computer interface, is still under development. The interface system is used to exchange information between the human brain and electronic devices (computer). A unidirectional interface makes it possible to either receive or send signals from the brain (e.g. when simulating a retina to restore vision). A bidirectional interface allows a mutual communication between the brain and external devices. The interface system consists of electrodes connected to the scalp. This technique is non-invasive, otherwise, it would be dangerous to use.

Exoskeletons

Exoskeletons are an extended version of bionic prostheses. An exoskeleton is a machine designed to restore lost body functions and to increase muscles strength. It mimics the biomechanics of human body thus providing a proportional effort distribution during movement. At the moment, this innovation is in the initial stage of its development and requires some improvements. Only a small number of exoskeletons are released on the market. Today, they are used in many fields and can be widely applied in medicine and the military.

Cyber eyes

There are some ongoing projects on eye implants development which are designed to compensate for the lost vision. Canadian company Ocumetics Technology Corporation has created Bionic Lens. These are dynamic lenses that can replace conventional lenses with the help of cataract surgery. Bionic lens helps restore clear vision by auto-regulation within the eye and connecting to the eye muscles. The creators state that bionic lenses allow you to clearly see the smallest objects at a distance of up to 30 m. Experts plan to launch this technology in the next two years.