How AI prostheses are changing life for arm amputees in Vienna

How AI prostheses are changing life for arm amputees in Vienna

In Vienna, leading companies are working 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 the everyday lives of those affected. These high-tech prostheses make it possible to carry out everyday hand movements that many people take for granted, such as picking up a pen or raising the index finger.

Wehrle, senior product manager at Ottobock, presents the “bebionic” hand, a myoelectric prosthesis based on control by electrical signals. People who have lost a hand due to accidents or illness often have the muscles in their forearm remaining intact. These muscles store the memory of the movements of the hand, and when the wearer thinks about opening or closing the hand, the brain sends a signal that is detected by sensors in the prosthesis.

Technology and intelligence combined

The connection between the wearer and the prosthesis has improved significantly in recent years thanks to advances in AI. “With up to eight electrodes, we can precisely record the signals on the forearm and combine them to ensure more precise control,” explains Wehrle. This enables the prosthesis to be quickly adapted to the user's individual needs. After a short period of practice, often just 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 likened to learning an instrument. Wehrle emphasizes that joy and dedication are crucial when practicing. Significant development can be observed after a few months, but this remains a continuous process that may last a lifetime. However, the highly complex technology comes at a price - Wehrle estimates that the costs are roughly equivalent 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 dedicated team of 130 specialists work on conception, research and production. This includes various professions such as mechatronics engineers, precision mechanics and orthopedic technicians, all of whom contribute their expertise. The aim is to produce prostheses in small quantities but with the highest precision. “This local production is crucial because many parts are not easy to obtain,” 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 prostheses even more intuitive. In the next 10 to 15 years, he expects more comprehensive advances in prosthetics that will allow users to integrate their prosthetics even better into their lives.

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