AdvancedTopic 92 of 102Manufacturing, Robotics & Systems
Prosthetics and rehabilitation
Devices restoring function.
In depth
Prosthetics replace limbs (myoelectric hands, powered knees) and orthotics support them; exoskeletons assist movement. Design: socket fit, weight, control (EMG, pattern recognition), sensory feedback, battery life, cost and user acceptance. Neural interfaces (osseointegration, brain-machine) are emerging.
Key points
- Biomechanics and gait analysis
- Targeted muscle reinnervation
- Compliance
ExampleA below-knee prosthesis stores and returns energy with a carbon-fibre foot.
Prosthetics and rehabilitation devices restore movement and independence, so they combine biomechanics, materials and control.
What is Prosthetics and rehabilitation?
Devices restoring function.
Why is it important to understand prosthetics and rehabilitation?
Prosthetics and rehabilitation devices restore movement and independence, so they combine biomechanics, materials and control.
What is a myoelectric prosthesis?
A prosthetic controlled by electrical signals from the remaining muscles, which lets the user open and close the hand.
Why is fit important for prosthetics?
A poor socket causes pain and skin damage, so fitting and alignment are essential for comfort and function.
How is Prosthetics and rehabilitation used in practice?
Typical applications include designing a lower leg prosthesis that stores and returns energy during walking, building an exoskeleton that helps a patient stand and adding myoelectric control to an artificial hand.
What should I learn before Prosthetics and rehabilitation?
Study "Medical imaging" first (topic 91 of 102 in Manufacturing, Robotics & Systems). It covers the groundwork this topic builds on.
What are the key points of Prosthetics and rehabilitation?
Biomechanics and gait analysis. Targeted muscle reinnervation. Compliance.
Can you give an example of Prosthetics and rehabilitation?
A below-knee prosthesis stores and returns energy with a carbon-fibre foot.
What comes after Prosthetics and rehabilitation?
The next topic is "Renewable energy systems", which builds directly on this one.
How difficult is Prosthetics and rehabilitation?
It is classed as Advanced in Manufacturing, Robotics & Systems (topic 92 of 102). It is an advanced topic. It assumes you are comfortable with the intermediate topics in Manufacturing, Robotics & Systems.