Bionics
Engineering

Our mission at Alt-Bionics isn’t just building a more accessible future for prosthetic devices, but also to build a more collaborative future for the field of bionics engineering.

When I set out on this path back in 2017, and over the years since, I realized that there weren’t (and aren’t) many good resources on how to get started in this field. A lot of how I got where I’m at today was through piecemeal research and combining irrelevant projects together into one.

My hope with this page is for it to be this “place to start” and to provide you with a basic understanding / overview of the field.

Learn About Existing Bionic Devices In the Medical Field

Bionics engineering combines aspects of mechanics, electronics, and biology to create biological-inspired solutions for use in the medical and robotics field.

Some examples of devices created in this field are myoelectric bionic hands (our forte), robotic hands, bionic legs, bionic eyes, bionic fingers, bionic ankles, bionic knees, and so on. The primary differentiator of the devices designed in this field, and as the word “bionic” denotes, is that the technology / devices created are typically electromechanical in nature. This means that in addition to being able to move mechanically, their mechanical components are powered using a power source (battery) and some type of accompanying circuitry to manage the control of the components.

Please note that I said they are “typically electromechanical in nature”. However, in addition to the above listed electromechanical devices, within the field of bionics engineering there are also devices that are not electromechanical. These devices are called body powered devices or prostheses. These devices’ movements are dependent on a system of cables and harnesses (as well as other manual controls on the devices) to control the limb in a simplistic, yet effective manner. Although functionality of these types of devices are limited, they are often used more than electromechanical ones.

The primary reasons that these less advanced devices are used more are quite simply, ease-of-use and cost. This is, however, still a disputed claim and I urge you to perform your own research to come to your own conclusion around this matter.

Open Bionics' Open Source Brunel Hand 2.0 (Pictured Right)

“Do I need a biomedical engineering degree?”

The most common misunderstanding about this field of research is that you need to study Biomedical Engineering to build bionic limbs.

This is false. Though it doesn’t hurt to study this.

The truth is that the work building these bionic devices is much more reliant on Mechanical Engineering and Electrical Engineering. So please don’t be deterred by thinking that you need a biomedical engineering degree! Mechanical and electrical engineering are just as important! The only aspects of biomedical engineering that I personally needed to understand to build a full functioning bionic hand that an amputee could control was a little bit of physiology (action potential). I will go over this topic in more detail further down this page.

“I want to be a prosthetist!”

The second most common misunderstanding about this field is that it is called “Prosthetics”. While this word does accurately denote and describe an artificial body part, the FIELD of prosthetics is something entirely different. In fact if you type in “how to get into the field of prosthetics”, the first results direct you to a degree in orthotics and prosthetics.

A degree in Orthotics and Prosthetics are for those interested in becoming prosthetists and orthotists. Prosthetists and orthotists design and fabricate medical supportive devices and measure and fit patients for them. They are strictly responsible for continued patient care, fitting the prosthetic socket (see below) appropriately, and repairs.

I only mention this differentiation because while most people are interested in bionics engineering, some people do in fact want to be prosthetists!

Enroll at UTSA (Where Alt-Bionics’ CEO Graduated From) Enroll at MIT (Best in Bionics Research)

This section is under construction and may not accurately describe the subject matter yet. Thank you for your patience.

This section is where the practical application of the two aforementioned disciplines from Part 2 comes into play.

Bionic hand companies like Alt-Bionics, Psyonic, and Esper all create bionic (myoelectric) hands that are standalone devices. If you were to purchase a bionic hand from a manufacturer like us, you would only have a bionic hand with no way to use it. Prosthetic sockets provide the interface between a bionic hand and the user’s body. The socket is custom-fitted to the user’s limb and is usually made from soft and flexible materials to ensure a comfortable fit. They evenly distribute the weight of the prosthetic device and enable the user to move the device with relative ease.

 

Prosthetic sockets are custom–fitted support systems for prosthetic devices, providing a secure and stable interface between the device and the body. They are designed to evenly distribute the weight of the prosthetic device, reducing discomfort and pressure points.

A Complete Guide to Bionic Arms & Hands

Understanding the Basics

Building bionic hands is a multidisciplinary journey that merges the intricacies of mechanical and electrical engineering with a touch of biology. At its core, constructing a bionic hand involves designing and assembling an electromechanical device that mimics the functionality and appearance of a natural hand.

Key Components

• Mechanical Structure: The skeleton of the bionic hand, typically made from lightweight and durable materials like carbon fiber or advanced plastics. This structure forms the hand’s fingers and palm, designed to replicate the range of motion and strength of a human hand.
• Actuation System: This involves selecting and integrating motors or muscle wire (Nitinol) that will act as the muscles of the hand, allowing for movement. Precision in choosing the right actuator is crucial for ensuring smooth and realistic movements.
• Sensors and Feedback Mechanisms: Incorporating sensors such as strain gauges and touch sensors to provide feedback. This feedback is essential for controlling grip strength and adapting to held objects.
• Control System: The brain of the bionic hand. It usually consists of microcontrollers or microprocessors that process input signals (often from myoelectric sensors attached to the user’s residual limb) and translate them into specific movements.
• Power Supply: Deciding on an efficient yet lightweight power source, like rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, to ensure the hand can operate for extended periods.
• Circuitry Design: Creating the electronic circuit that connects the components together, ensuring that the control system can effectively command the actuators based on the sensor inputs.

The Building Process

• Design and Simulation: Utilizing CAD software to design the hand, followed by simulations to test functionality and durability.
• Component Selection and Sourcing: Choosing the right components that balance quality, cost, and availability.
• Assembly: Carefully assembling the components. This stage requires precision and attention to detail, as well as understanding of both mechanical and electronic principles.
• Programming and Calibration: Writing the software that controls the hand’s movements and calibrating the system for smooth operation.
• Testing and Refinement: Rigorous testing to ensure functionality, safety, and reliability. Feedback from these tests is used to refine the design and functionality.
• Customization and Fitting: Tailoring the final product to fit the specific needs and preferences of the user, including aesthetic customizations.

Challenges and Considerations

• Material Choices: Selecting materials that are durable yet lightweight and skin-friendly.
• Size and Weight: Ensuring the hand is not overly bulky or heavy for comfortable long-term use.
• User Interface: Developing an intuitive control system that can be easily learned and used by the end user.
• Cost Management: Balancing the cost of high-quality components with the goal of making the device affordable.

The Future of Bionics Hand Building

The field of bionics hand building is continually evolving, with advancements in materials, electronics, and machine learning opening new possibilities for more advanced, intuitive, and accessible bionic hands. As technology progresses, the gap between bionic hands and natural human functionality continues to close, offering exciting prospects for the future of prosthetics.