Bionics is: A technology concerned with the application of data about the functioning of biological systems to the solution of engineering problems. (Merriam Webster Medical Dictionary) Or Basically: A technology that attempts to mimic human abilities using machines.
A Device that: Is worn by humans Helps to aid the wearer Increases Human Performance -Walking or running -Jumping -Etc.
Over a multitude of years, bionics evolved from prosthetics: ________________________________________________________ The first prosthetics: (crude and simple) Ancient cultures -Wooden crutches -Open socket peg legs Rough on the skin and joints Didn’t allow for every day function
Over a multitude of years, bionics evolved from prosthetics: ________________________________________________________ The first prosthetics: (crude and simple) The Dark Ages -The first prosthetics crafted from metal Heavy and awkward Extremely expensive Only functioned in battle
Over a multitude of years, bionics evolved from prosthetics: ________________________________________________________ The second prosthetics: (big and bulky) The Renaissance -Iron arms (French surgeon) 1508 (Worn by a German knight) -Iron hands 1. Joints had to be set by hand 2. Released springs to bend the joint
Over a multitude of years, bionics evolved from prosthetics: ________________________________________________________ The third prosthetics: (improved function) 1600’s-1800’s -Improved legs with ankles and feet -Added tendons (animal intestines) to improve flexion -First non-locking knee joints
Over a multitude of years, bionics evolved from prosthetics: ________________________________________________________ The fourth prosthetics: (lighter than the past) Civil war - World War II -Switched the steel with aluminum -Used rubber instead of intestines for the tendons -Improved how the prosthetics attached to the body
Over a multitude of years, bionics evolved from prosthetics: ________________________________________________________ The fifth prosthetics: (light and functional) Present -Made from plastic -Allow for even greater function -Still are a bit awkward to use THUS... BIONICS ARE BORN!!!
Over a multitude of years, bionics evolved from prosthetics: ________________________________________________________ Bionics: (lighter and more sophisticated) Present -Use a power source -Work with the applicant -Very intricate Unlike any prosthetic ever created
Leg: Arms: Eye: Ear:
Bionic Leg Bionic Arms Bionic Ear Bionic Eyes __________________________________________________________ Sets of sensors are attached to bionic leg in strategic places -Collect information about 120 time per second -They send information to a microprocessor Microprocessor picks the best walking style -Walking patterns are sent to the motor -Motor drives the bionic leg forwardvideo
Bionic Leg Bionic Arms Bionic Ear Bionic Eyes __________________________________________________________ A Series of sensors line a sleeve worn by the patient -detect muscle movements -relay information to microprocessors -microprocessors run the motors -motors move the limb
Bionic Leg Bionic Arms Bionic Ear Bionic Eyes __________________________________________________________ -Implanted in the inner ear, through an incision -Sounds are picked up from the external microphone -Sound is converted into an electrical signal via a processor -The signal is sent to the implanted receiver -Electrodes create an impulse stimulating the brain
Bionic Leg Bionic Arms Bionic Ear Bionic Eyes __________________________________________________________ -A microchip is implanted near the retina -Images enter the pupil and strike the implant -Photosensor cells convert the image into impulses -The impulses stimulate nerves to send the image to the brain
Victhom- Bionic legs Otto Bock Health Care- Bionic Legs The Dobelle Institute- Bionic Eyes Clarion and Nucleus- Bionic Ear Liberty Technology- Bionic Arms
Humans have been trying to develop exoskeletons for many years: _________________________________________________________ First Stage: (Mainly for protection) Armored suits Shields Anything used in battle
Humans have been trying to develop exoskeletons for many years: _________________________________________________________ Second Stage: (Focused on human strength) Hardiman1 Built by General Electric - Only one arm moved - Too big and bulky - Lift a refrigerator
Humans have been trying to develop exoskeletons for many years: _________________________________________________________ Third Stage: (Focus on human performance) 1970 Walking Exoskeleton -Components are still too big -Machine doesn’t work fluently
Humans have been trying to develop exoskeletons for many years: _________________________________________________________ Fourth Stage: (Focus on human performance) Springwalker -Smaller power source -Uses springs instead of wires -Easy to operate
Humans have been trying to develop exoskeletons for many years: _________________________________________________________ Fourth Stage: (Focus on human performance) Bionic Boots Powerskip Kangoo jumps -no wires or cables -strap on and go
Humans have been trying to develop exoskeletons for many years: _________________________________________________________ Fourth Stage: (Focus on human performance) BLEEX (Berkeley Lower Extremity Exoskeleton) -Integrates man and Machine -Carry 170lbs easily -Machines moves with the body
Humans have been trying to develop exoskeletons for many years: _________________________________________________________ Fifth Stage: (The Future) Full armor suits for combatRunning/jumping enhancers
Springwalker: Bionic Boots: Powerskip: Kangoo-jumps:
Springwalker Powerskips/Bionic boots Kangooshoes BLEEX _______________________________________________________ -User is strapped into the exoskeleton -As you move forward: Cables are pulled tight around pulleys The tension wires pull on springs As you relax, the springs pull back You are propelled further forward.video
Springwalker Powerskips/Bionic boots Kangooshoes BLEEX _______________________________________________________ Similar to the Springwalker: -Strap the shoes on -When you step a spring is compressed -The spring forces you back up into the air Video
Springwalker Powerskips/Bionic boots Kangooshoes BLEEX _______________________________________________________ Simple jumping shoes: -Place the shoe on your foot -Push down -The band stretchesso you are forced upward
Springwalker Powerskips/Bionic boots Kangooshoes BLEEX _______________________________________________________ Exoskeleton is attached to your legs and torso: -More than 40 sensors monitor your movements -Sensors relay information to an onboard computer -The computer adjusts weight distribution Video
Military: Combat Missions taking place Civilian: Firefighters Nurses Recreation Where vehicles can’t go
Springwalker- Applied Motion Powerskip- Powerskip BOSSBi- Jumping Shoes Kangoo Jumps- Kangoo Jumps Berkeley University- BLEEX (Berkeley Lower Extremity exoskeleton)
Increased mobility Increased Performance -Running -Jumping -Strength Expanding markets and newer jobs Apparatus moves with the body
New research in making specialized materials Entertainment industry is changing: -Exercising -Extreme sports -Etc. Private companies are creating civilian prototypes
Amount of money needed for funding Specialized parts are required: -Pieces must be designed and manufactured -Little pervious technology exists Bionics and exoskeletons are extremely expensive! -How does $30,000 sound?
Products require motors: -Noisy -Use fuel Power sources: -Big -Bulky -Need recharging every few hours Difficult to stand up, if you fall
Bionics and exoskeletons are fairly new Aid in human performance Huge Advancements are taking place as we speak The line between man and machine is becoming more and more faint
(Quick look at the sites I visited for information) ionic_man/index3.phtml ision
(Quick look at the sites I visited for information) (Continued) dyn?pagename=article&contentId=A Apr11¬Found=true