Toward higher-performance bionic limbs for wider clinical use

Dario Farina*, Ivan Vujaklija, Rickard Brånemark, Anthony M.J. Bull, Hans Dietl, Bernhard Graimann, Levi J. Hargrove, Klaus Peter Hoffmann, He (Helen) Huang, Thorvaldur Ingvarsson, Hilmar Bragi Janusson, Kristleifur Kristjánsson, Todd Kuiken, Silvestro Micera, Thomas Stieglitz, Agnes Sturma, Dustin Tyler, Richard F.ff Weir, Oskar C. Aszmann

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalReview Articlepeer-review

151 Citations (Scopus)
1192 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

Most prosthetic limbs can autonomously move with dexterity, yet they are not perceived by the user as belonging to their own body. Robotic limbs can convey information about the environment with higher precision than biological limbs, but their actual performance is substantially limited by current technologies for the interfacing of the robotic devices with the body and for transferring motor and sensory information bidirectionally between the prosthesis and the user. In this Perspective, we argue that direct skeletal attachment of bionic devices via osseointegration, the amplification of neural signals by targeted muscle innervation, improved prosthesis control via implanted muscle sensors and advanced algorithms, and the provision of sensory feedback by means of electrodes implanted in peripheral nerves, should all be leveraged towards the creation of a new generation of high-performance bionic limbs. These technologies have been clinically tested in humans, and alongside mechanical redesigns and adequate rehabilitation training should facilitate the wider clinical use of bionic limbs.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)473-485
Number of pages13
JournalNature Biomedical Engineering
Volume7
Issue number4
Early online date31 May 2021
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Apr 2023
MoE publication typeA2 Review article, Literature review, Systematic review

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