How AI prostheses change life in Vienna for armampute

How AI prostheses change life in Vienna for armampute

In Vienna, leading companies work on innovative solutions for people who have lost a hand. At Ottobock, a global market leader in prosthetics, Martin Wehrle shows how modern technologies, supported by artificial intelligence (AI), can improve everyday life from those affected. These high-tech prostheses make it possible to perform everyday hand movements that are a matter of course for many, such as lifting a pen or raising the index finger.

Wehrle, senior product manager at Ottobock, introduces the "Bebionic" hand, a myoelectric prosthesis based on the control of electrical signals. In people who have lost a hand due to accidents or illnesses, the muscles on the forearm often remain intact. These muscles store the memory of the movements of the hand, and when the carrier thinks of opening or closing the hand, the brain sends a signal that is recorded by sensors of the prosthesis.

technology and intelligence combined

The connection between the carrier and the prosthesis has improved considerably in recent years thanks to progress in AI. "With up to eight electrodes, we can precisely record the signals on the forearm and combine with each other in order to ensure more precise control," explains Wehrle. This enables a quick adjustment of the prosthesis to the individual needs of the user. After a short practice time, often only an hour, basic functions such as opening and closing the hand can be mastered. These exercises are even supported using an app on mobile devices.

Learning the many functions is compared to learning an instrument. Wehrle emphasizes that joy and devotion are decisive when practicing. A significant development can be observed after a few months, but this remains a continuous process that may last for a lifetime. However, the highly complex technology has its price - Wehrle estimates that costs correspond to the price of a well -equipped small car.

Vienna as an innovation center

The entire development process of the prostheses often takes place in Vienna, where a committed team of 130 experts works on the conception, research work and manufacture. This includes various professions such as mechatronics engineers, precision mechanics and orthopedic technicians who all bring in their expertise. The aim is to produce prostheses in low quantities, but with the highest precision. "This local production is crucial because many parts are not easy to get," explains Matthias Buhl, Head of Industrial Engineering.

Although the technologies are impressive, Wehrle points out that the prostheses are still far from the functionality of a human hand. In the future, implantable sensors could further refine the control of movement and thus make the use of the prostheses even more intuitive. Over the next 10 to 15 years, he expects more extensive progress in prosthetics that will enable users to integrate their prosthesis even better into their lives.

The goal is to help those affected to participate more actively in social life and to improve the quality of life. "Behind every product is a person who has lost a limb," emphasizes Wehrle, which directs the focus from pure technology towards improving the living conditions of the users. For further information about these technological developments, see the report on www.5min.at .