Conclusion
Goals of Future Bionic Hands
Possible Future Capabilities of a Bionic Hand
Perhaps one day, we will see different bionic parts or even a bionic robot, as we already do in science fiction movies. There is no doubt that in the future, bionic hands will be able to exceed the existing capability of the natural human hand. With our design, the patient can already feel pressure and temperature more accurately than a human hand. With other advanced and more expensive sensors, the bionic hand may even experience other senses.
The future bionic hand will also be able to move in different ways that a regular hand can't. For example, our bionic hand design can rotate 360 degrees, a motion impossible for the regular human hand. The bionic hand, with attachments, can also reach places that a human hand cannot. For example, the hand can reach into a hole where you dropped something valuable or even shelves you can't reach.
The future bionic hand will also be safer for the patient. Materials used in bionic hands allow the hand to be invulnerable to viruses and corrosion. Safety mechanisms and sensors will alert the patient of possible danger.
Required Technological Advances
However, there is still a long way to go before all of this can be achieved. Carbon nanotubes and nano-polymers are the keys to unlocking numerous possibilities in bionic prostheses. They can be used with neural electrodes to enhance performance. They're also perfect candidates for sensors. While researchers are actively exploring carbon nanotubes, there is much to be done. [9]
A better energy source will also be essential to a powerful bionic hand. Batteries today are lacking in terms of durability. Not only do they require constant recharges, they are subjected to a limited number of cycles. In the future, there is a requirement for a battery that is durable but also small. The usage of radioisotopes as power source are being explored. [5]
Currently, there is no developed way of interfacing bionic parts with the human brain. Researchers are exploring the peripheral nervous system that involves placement of electrodes in the median nerve. The success in this system will allow numerous possibilities as the patient would be able to control the bionic hand from the brain and also be able to receive feedback from the sensors, just like a real hand. [11]
Another important problem that needs to be addressed is the overall hand durability and maintenance. Currently, robotic prostheses do not last for more than three years [20]. This is unacceptable considering how expensive these prostheses cost. The goal of the future is to create robotic hands that can endure a minimum of ten years but also be subjected to a low maintenance effort.
Finally, the bionic hand needs to be affordable to everyone, preferably at a price under $2000. Even traditional, non-robotic hands cost, around $5000. There is no point in a powerful bionic hand if it is not capable of reaching the ones who actually need it. Affordability will be the single-most important factor into the success of the future bionic hands.