1

RECENT ADVANCEMENTS
IN PROSTHETICS FOR
REHABILITATION
GHANISHTHA CHAWARE
ADITYA NAMDEO
GROUP 1
AKASH MAJI
ARUNIMA SHUKLA
 2

RISING NEED FOR ADVANCED PROSTHETICS

Key Statistics
Over 57.7 million people worldwide live with limb loss.
Major causes include trauma, diabetes, vascular diseases, and congenital conditions.
The number of amputations is rising due to aging populations & chronic illnesses.
Challenges

CHALLENGE Impact

High Costs Many patients can’t afford advanced prosthetics.

Limited Accessibility Rural and low-income areas lack prosthetic services.

Aesthetic Concerns Users seek lifelike prosthetics for confidence.

Functional Limitations Many prosthetics lack fine motor control and natural movement.
 3

UNDERSTANDING PROSTHETICS
Definition Prosthetics are artificial devices designed to replace missing body parts, such as
arms, legs, hands, or feet, due to injury, disease, or congenital conditions.
Ancient Era (Wooden Limbs) – Early civilizations used simple wood or metal
Evolution prosthetics for basic support.
Mechanical Prosthetics (19th–20th Century) – Introduction of body-powered limbs
with mechanical joints.
Modern Prosthetics (21st Century) – Use of biomechanics, AI, and robotics for
enhanced control and movement.
Next-Gen Bionic Prosthetics (Future) – Neural-controlled and smart prosthetics
integrating AI and sensors.

Impact Restores independence

Boosts confidence
Aids social reintegration
 4

REHABILITATION: ENHANCING PROSTHETIC USABILITY

Objective
Ensuring that prosthetic users achieve maximum functionality, comfort, and adaptability in their daily lives.

Interdisciplinary Approach
Medical Doctors (Prosthetists & Orthopedists): Assess and fit the prosthetic limb for medical
compatibility.
Engineers & Technologists: Design and improve prosthetic components for better function.
Physiotherapists & Occupational Therapists: Train users in movement, balance, and everyday
activities.
Psychologists & Counselors: Provide emotional support for adjusting to prosthetic use.

Key Goals
Functional Efficiency – Training users to maximize the use of their prosthetics.
Comfort & Fit Optimization – Customizing the prosthetic for a perfect fit.
Long-term Satisfaction – Ensuring the patient can use the prosthetic confidently in daily life.
Enhancing Mobility – Teaching movement strategies for ease of walking, running, or grasping objects.
 5

OVERVIEW OF PROSTHETIC TECHNOLOGIES

01. MYOELECTRIC 03. 3-D PRINTING
PROSTHETIC
Myoelectric prosthetics A 3D-printed prosthetic is
operate by detecting an artificial limb or assistive
electrical signals from user device created using 3D
muscles, allowing for printing technology.It is
precise control. designed to be lightweight.
04. OSSEOINTEGRATION
02. BIONIC LIMBS
Bionic limbs represent the It is a surgical technique that
cutting edge of prosthetic involves directly attaching
technology, integrating the prosthetic limb to the
robotics and bone, eliminating the need
neuroprosthetics. for a socket.
 6

INNOVATIONS IN PROSTHETICS

01. BMI 02. Advanced 03. AI inclusion

Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Brain-Machine materials
algorithms analyse
Interfaces (BMI) enable Materials such as carbon
motion patterns and user
users to control fiber, titanium, and
behaviour.AI-powered
prosthetics directly biocompatible polymers
prosthetics can learn
through neural signals, make prosthetic limbs
from the user’s
offering advanced lighter, stronger, and
movements
movement. more adaptable.
 7

TYPES OF PROSTHETICS

Mechanical Myoelectric Bionic

Prosthetics Prosthetics Limbs

The first type is mechanical These use electrical signals from the This one integrate robotics and
prosthetics, the most user’s muscles to control movement, neuroprosthetics for good
traditional form of artificial providing better grip strength and functionality and natural movement.
limbs. They operate using more precise control. They continue to evolve with AI,
simple mechanics and are making them smarter and more
known for being durable and responsive.
affordable .
 8

MYOELECTRIC PROSTHETICS
Definition Advanced artificial limbs controlled by electrical signals generated
from the user's muscle contractions.

Working Surface electrodes detect EMG signals

from residual muscles.
These signals are processed and
translated into movements of the
prosthetic limb.
Microprocessors and sensors ensure
smooth and precise control.
Key Features Natural and intuitive control.
Future Multigrip functionality.
Integration with AI and neural
Rechargeable batteries.
Prospect interfaces for smarter controls.
Lightweight & customizable designs.
 9

BIONIC LIMBS & NEURAL INTEGRATION

Definition Bionic limbs are robotic prosthetics that mimic natural limb function using advanced electronics,
sensors, and actuators.
Neural integration connects these prosthetics directly to the nervous system, enabling natural
control and sensory feedback.
Key Features 🧠 Neural Interfaces:
Electrodes implanted in nerves/muscles detect neural signals.
Allows direct brain-controlled movement of prosthetic limbs.
🤖 Advanced Sensors & Actuators:
Detect pressure, texture, and temperature for sensory feedback.
Enable smooth, coordinated motion.
🌐 Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCI):
Interfaces that translate brain signals into limb movement.
Real-time, intuitive control of complex motions.

Future Outlook Potential for regenerative interfaces that blend with natural tissues.
 10

3D PRINTING IN PROSTHETICS
Definition 3D printing enables the creation of highly customized, lightweight, and affordable
prosthetic limbs, tailored to each individual’s unique anatomy and needs.

Key Features
🛠️ Customized Designs: Personalization in shape, size, and aesthetics.
⚡Rapid & Affordable Production: Significantly reduces cost compared to traditional
prosthetics.
📏 Growing with Users: Especially beneficial for children, who outgrow prosthetics
quickly.

Leading Projects 🤖 Open Bionics: Makers of Hero Arm, the world's first
clinically approved 3D-printed bionic arm.
🦾 Hero Arm: Affordable, lightweight, and fully functional
bionic arm.
 11

SUMMARY 1
Evolution of Prosthetics - Advancements from
basic mechanical limbs to bionic and AI-powered
prosthetics, enhancing mobility and usability.

2
Key Technologies Driving Innovation - Myoelectric
control, 3D printing, brain-machine interfaces, and
osseointegration are transforming prosthetic
functionality.

3
Improved Functionality & Comfort - Lighter
materials, sensory feedback, and AI-driven
movement allow users greater independence and
adaptability.

4 Role of Rehabilitation - Effective prosthetic use

requires training, therapy, and psychological
support for better integration into daily life.

5
Future Prospects - Advances in AI, neural
interfaces, affordability, and accessibility will
shape the next generation of prosthetics.
 12

DISCUSSIONS

LIMITATIONS CHALLENGES FUTURE

High costs of advanced Users may face emotional and AI-powered adaptability to
prosthetics make them mental barriers. enhance control and
inaccessible for many. Prosthetic integration needs movement.
Battery life and durability remain specialized rehabilitation, Neural integration for real-time
technical challenges. hence, training is needed. sensory feedback.
Limited sensory feedback affects Many developing regions lack Affordability & mass production
real-world usability. access to modern prosthetics. through 3D printing innovations.
 13

TAKE HOME MESSAGE

Technology in prosthetics is not just
about restoring mobility; it’s about
restoring lives.

Transforming Lives - Advanced prosthetics

enhance mobility and quality of life.
Innovating the Future - AI, robotics, and brain-
machine interfaces drive new possibilities.
Seamless Integration - The ultimate goal is to
create prosthetics that seamlessly integrate
with the human body.

Fig: A prosthetic hand successfully gripping a

cup, demonstrating real-world usability
 14

REFERENCES

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7340716/#Sec2
https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Typical-components-of-a-transradial-
myoelectric-prosthesis_fig2_332644633
Elçadi, G. H. (2023). Advancements and challenges in prosthetic devices: Exploring
materials, integration, and future directions. Journal of Disability Research.
Figure: Johns Hopkins Medicine. (2025, March). "Feeling Is Believing: Bionic Hand
Knows What It's Touching, Grasps Like a Human.
 15

Thank You