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:

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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:

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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:

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The second prosthetics: (big and bulky)The Renaissance

-Iron arms

•1510-1509 (French surgeon)

•1508 (Worn by a German knight) -Iron hands

1. Joints had to be set by hand2. Released springs to bend the joint

Over a multitude of years, bionics evolved from prosthetics:

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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:

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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:

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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:

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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 forward video

•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:

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First Stage: (Mainly for protection) •Armored suits

•Shields

•Anything used in battle

Humans have been trying to develop exoskeletons for many years:

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Second Stage: (Focused on human strength)

•Hardiman1Built by General Electric

-Only one arm moved

-Too big and bulky

-Lift a refrigerator

Humans have been trying to develop exoskeletons for many years:

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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:

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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:

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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:

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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:

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Fifth Stage: (The Future)

•Full armor suits for combat •Running/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 airVideo

•Springwalker

•Powerskips/Bionic boots

•Kangooshoes

•BLEEX_______________________________________________________

Simple jumping shoes:-Place the shoe on your foot

-Push down

-The band stretches so 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)

•http://popularmechanics.com/science/medicine/1999/2/new_bionic_man/index3.phtml

•http://www.victhom.com/

•http://www.aleph.se/Trans/Individual/Body/bion_page.html#vision

•http://www.cem.msu.edu/~cem181fp/brain/index.html

•http://www.cbc.ca/stories/2003/06/03/bionic_leg030603

•http://www.pcquest.com/content/perfect/102120505.asp

(Quick look at the sites I visited for information) (Continued)

•http://www.springwalker.com/#LINK

•http://www.powerskip.de/mainpage.html

•http://www.bossbi.com/skate/poweriser/poweriser.php

•http://www.washingtonpost.com/ac2/wp dyn?pagename=article&contentId=A4418-2004Apr11&notFound=true

•http://www.nupoc.northwestern.edu/prosHistory.shtml