In bionics, the ability to analyze natural processes exactly determines how close technological solutions come to biology.
The natural arm is moved by muscles activated by nerve impulses. Muscle activity can be measured as weak electric impulses on the skin. The complex technological challenges include reading these signals at the residual limb using electrodes, and amplifying them so they can control artificial joints.
The most highly developed form of this technology is the DynamicArm combined with the SensorHand Speed. The upper arm amputee actively controls the entire system through his or her muscle signals. The amputee guides the SensorHand to a breakable glass, for example. Once again, we use nature as our teacher: With the highly sensitive tips of the fingers, we can instantly feel when an item is slipping from our grasp. The strength of the grip is adjusted through a reflex. The
SensorHand Speed works according to the same principle, except that here, sensors in the artificial thumb initiate the immediate reaction. How bothersome would it be if, while walking, one had to constantly think about harmoniously swinging one's arms? Biomechanical studies supply exact data about this pendulum motion. This knowledge was used in order to eliminate all unnecessary energy expenditures, even in the free-swing phase of the prosthesis.
These examples show: In bionics, the ability to analyze natural processes exactly determines how close technological solutions can come to biology. This is why Otto Bock continuously invests in analysis and test methods which provide ever more insight into the biomechanics of human movement.
In particular, the gait analyses carried out by Otto Bock in its own laboratories are driving the rapid developments in prosthetics.
Technical knowledge and knowledge gained from ergonomic studies is combined in wheelchair development. This results in systems made of a combination of persons and aids, which increase mobility and comfort. Neurostimulation uses intact nerves which a person is no longer able to activate after a stroke or due to incomplete paraplegia in order to transmit "artificially" generated signals to the musculature.
Otto Bock has derived the Orthobionic® and Bionicmobility® fields from bionics. They give our technology for people its dynamics and our product selection its structure.
