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A young man in Rome who lost the lower part of his arm in an accident will be the first recipient of a bionic hand that can "feel." quote:The wiring of his new bionic hand will be connected to the patient’s nervous system with the hope that the man will be able to control the movements of the hand as well as receiving touch signals from the hand’s skin sensors. Wired goes a little more into earlier tests and their success: quote:Silvestro Micera made the dramatic announcement at the Annual Meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) in Boston. He stated that the trial would follow up from a four-week test period during which electrodes were implanted into the median and ulnar nerves (the two nerves responsible for transmitting information to the hand) of an amputee, and connected by wires to a prosthetic hand on a nearby table (pictured). I'd be fascinated to hear more about the science behind this from someone in the know, or from goons who use prosthetics. In the meantime here's another notable "cyborg," Aimee Mullins, who's fascinating for transforming prosthetics into a fashion accessory.  quote:Mullins (is) an athlete, a model and an actress with both legs amputated below the knees. she compared prosthetic legs to eyeglasses, and in the same way that we wear designer eyeglasses she has designer legs (she was wearing her 4-inch heel legs for the talk). she made it clear that with enough attitude you could pull off anything as she left the crowd dumbstruck with her presence. Here's part of her leg collection:  I really wonder how long till we get to the point where, say, a bionic hand is as trendy and disposable as an iPhone, or where people with athletic or other advanced prosthetics are seen as having an advantage over others, as some claimed with Oscar Pistorius last year. It's unlikely that he'd be the last "cyborg" to compete in the Olympics.
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| # ? Feb 20, 2013 02:19 |
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| # ? May 24, 2013 22:00 |
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So you're saying all I need is REALLY good insurance and a little "accident" to get some sweet robot arms?
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| # ? Feb 20, 2013 02:31 |
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Can he disable the feel sensors to give himself a stranger?
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| # ? Feb 20, 2013 02:31 |
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Groovy.
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| # ? Feb 20, 2013 02:35 |
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But really would you trust a robot hand near your dick? I mean, its just one consciousness away from ripping your dick off and destroying human kind.
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| # ? Feb 20, 2013 02:36 |
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HATE CURES TRANNYS posted:Can he disable the feel sensors to give himself a stranger? Until he crushes his penis like a gorilla crushes a kitten.
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| # ? Feb 20, 2013 02:36 |
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That's cool and all, but shouldn't this go in the megathread? VV Human Revolution came out in 2011 
C-Euro fucked around with this message at Feb 20, 2013 around 02:44 |
| # ? Feb 20, 2013 02:37 |
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C-Euro posted:That's cool and all, but shouldn't this go in the megathread? There were a lot of jokes about 2012 being The Year Of The Bow, between Avengers, Hunger Games and everything. Clearly 2013 will be The Year Of The Cyborg.
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| # ? Feb 20, 2013 02:42 |
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I think one of the most intriguing concepts that I have heard is that with the smartphones we are basically cyborgs now, that we have popularly thought of replacement limbs and brain implants but ignore the fact the technological advances have managed to rewire our brains to integrate technology into us externally. I totally see it, especially between me and my parents. I get calls from my Mom asking X and my first thought is "I don't know, you have an iPhone" and then realize that she what comes so naturally to me as a thought process, knowing what to ask and knowing how to process the information I receive is totally foreign to her. It is a little divergent from the OP but as neat as replace to limb technology is I think it is interesting how little we acknowledge that we now have a subset of the population that has the means and entered into this level of technology in our formative years that a smartphone is effectively an extension of our minds and the divide that creates. Like where does the line come, your average 20-30 something has what basically amounts to the sum of all human knowledge delivered wirelessly in HD video to their hand but they are less cyborg than someone with a cochlear implant?
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| # ? Feb 20, 2013 02:44 |
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Saint Sputnik posted:There were a lot of jokes about 2012 being The Year Of The Bow, between Avengers, Hunger Games and everything. Clearly 2013 will be The Year Of The Cyborg. Not to mention that the Cybogs can act in clear violation of the rules of robotics.
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| # ? Feb 20, 2013 02:44 |
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I know someone who works on essentially the same project doing research for fine motor control and to gain the sense of feeling things out. She said the next big project is not have a cord coming out of your brain because who the gently caress wants that? They had something similar on 60 Minutes recently but are still in the works for the next big thing. IIRC, the fed grant funding much of the American research is led by a former army colonel for everyone coming home blown up.
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| # ? Feb 20, 2013 02:53 |
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Three Olives posted:I think one of the most intriguing concepts that I have heard is that with the smartphones we are basically cyborgs now, that we have popularly thought of replacement limbs and brain implants but ignore the fact the technological advances have managed to rewire our brains to integrate technology into us externally. I don't have a smartphone myself but I'm usually in front of a computer, and I find Google has supplanted the part of my brain that needs to know how to spell words correctly or even pay much attention. "What was that important piece of information I just half-heard? Oh I'll Google it later." I feel like it's more a crutch than an augment. drat you, Donna Haraway. You tried to warn me! GreenCard78 posted:I know someone who works on essentially the same project doing research for fine motor control and to gain the sense of feeling things out. She said the next big project is not have a cord coming out of your brain because who the gently caress wants that? They had something similar on 60 Minutes recently but are still in the works for the next big thing. IIRC, the fed grant funding much of the American research is led by a former army colonel for everyone coming home blown up. That was my thinking -- there's a big population of amputee soldiers coming back and trying to re-integrate into society and that's going to be a big driving factor in the research.
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| # ? Feb 20, 2013 02:57 |
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This is really cool, I can't wait to see where this technology goes over the next few years. Looking forward to gradually replacing all of my human parts with robot parts. Basically Bicentennial Man in reverse.
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| # ? Feb 20, 2013 02:59 |
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That is some amazing Deus Ex stuff right there. But I really want to know just how expensive that gizmo is. Not just the finished product itself, but the cost of having it all implanted as well.
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| # ? Feb 20, 2013 03:04 |
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I guess that I may be a bit uneducated to how the nervous system works. Is it possible to receive discomfort or pain from these nerves? I have terrifying thoughts of something spazzing out on the hand, and, in a fit of pain-filled distress, desperately trying to rip out the electrodes connected directly to the nerves. I guess they could use something like RCA connectors to allow quick disconnection? I mean, what voltage does our nervous system run at?
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| # ? Feb 20, 2013 03:04 |
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Yes! One step closer to mind-controlled cars and planes. I wonder how accurate the prosthetic to nervous system link is. Wouldn't it be like learning how to walk all over again? They said the hand moved to where he wanted but was it exact?
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| # ? Feb 20, 2013 03:11 |
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Royal W posted:Until he crushes his penis like a gorilla crushes a kitten. You mean like how Koko never crushed All Ball and cared for him like a mother? MrQwerty fucked around with this message at Feb 20, 2013 around 03:16 |
| # ? Feb 20, 2013 03:14 |
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Tazzillekki posted:Yes! One step closer to mind-controlled cars and planes.
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| # ? Feb 20, 2013 03:16 |
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If I had an amputated limb I'd beg for them to give me a prosthetic that looked like it came from a Terminator.
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| # ? Feb 20, 2013 03:17 |
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I found a video of the 2009 portable model in action: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ppILwXwsMng "I closed my eyes and repeated to myself, 'your hand does exist... you can wiggle your fingers.'"
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| # ? Feb 20, 2013 03:19 |
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I remember not too long ago reading about some new developments in robo-prosthetics (poo poo, might have even been on GBS) where the point was made that, ideally, all of these cool cyborg parts are just stepping-stones. Once we've mastered them we'll hopefully have enough knowledge and experience in working with limbs, nerves, muscles and and re-attachments that we can begin to just repair or re-attach people's natural limbs rather than needing to replace them at all. Or at least more easily use transplants rather than prosthetics. Doubly cool when you realise that there are plenty of labs that are learning how to grow body parts (admittedly basic ones, for now) right now.
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| # ? Feb 20, 2013 03:19 |
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It's been shown in studies that the brain, when provided accurate feedback, will integrate a robotic limb as part of its natural body. Here's a really great video that's relevant to this thread: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CR_LBcZg_84
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| # ? Feb 20, 2013 03:24 |
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The biggest hurdle is just getting all the connecting nerves wired up right and going to all the right places, both in the brain and at the point of the implant, yeah? You would need a way to hook it to the body in the least obtrusive way possible (from the sound of things, instead of going straight to the brain, they use the natural nerves in the limb joint itself). And then there is the power source, which always intrigued me. Do you gotta recharge such devices, or are they working on a way to utilize a renewable energy source, preferably from the body itself?
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| # ? Feb 20, 2013 03:27 |
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Dusseldorf posted:Not to mention that the Cybogs can act in clear violation of the rules of robotics. Is that true, Barry? It sure is, Other Barry. It sure is.
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| # ? Feb 20, 2013 03:28 |
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Saint Sputnik posted:That was my thinking -- there's a big population of amputee soldiers coming back and trying to re-integrate into society and that's going to be a big driving factor in the research. Last I knew, in 2011 the number of war amputees was about 30,000 but they made up around 20% of the total amputee population. Most people lose limbs from accidents or sickness such as diabetes. The Iraq/Afghanistan amputees have brought a lot more attention to the needs of people with prosthetics and the field has really advanced in the last several years. Ten years ago people were working with the same technology from the 70s. Wicker Man posted:The biggest hurdle is just getting all the connecting nerves wired up right and going to all the right places, both in the brain and at the point of the implant, yeah? The problem is, many amputees don't have the nerves necessary to be hooked up to their arm or leg or wherever. They need direct access from the brain. They have a pretty good idea where to connect things to the brain and much of the research in neuroscience is essentially mapping the brain and if you plug one thing here in a certain part of the brain, it does this action. Most of the power source is that the limbs are plugged in. They are obviously pursuing rechargeable batteries but they need to develop a lasting power source, retaining functionality, and most importantly an arm that is like a regular arm which feels the same, weighs similar amount, etc. Bat Ham posted:I remember not too long ago reading about some new developments in robo-prosthetics (poo poo, might have even been on GBS) I had a similar topic a few months back so probably. \/ You heard it here first on SA, folks. GreenCard78 fucked around with this message at Feb 20, 2013 around 03:43 |
| # ? Feb 20, 2013 03:35 |
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I'm curious to what will happen when we start seeing the first killings committed with prosthetic limbs, and what kind of laws will come about of it. And it doesn't even have to be Cyberpunk-style robo arms that sprout buzzsaws and lasers... Even a more mundane prosthesis could potentially give person an edge in a fight; if it's constructed of fairly sturdy materials it could be used to more easily gouge out an eye, knock out teeth, etc. In theory, even if your limb doesn't really give super strength, you could still hit harder because you probably have less hesitation when it comes to damaging a prosthesis, as opposed to your natural limb.
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| # ? Feb 20, 2013 03:40 |
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itrorev posted:I'm curious to what will happen when we start seeing the first killings committed with prosthetic limbs, and what kind of laws will come about of it. And it doesn't even have to be Cyberpunk-style robo arms that sprout buzzsaws and lasers... Even a more mundane prosthesis could potentially give person an edge in a fight; if it's constructed of fairly sturdy materials it could be used to more easily gouge out an eye, knock out teeth, etc. In theory, even if your limb doesn't really give super strength, you could still hit harder because you probably have less hesitation when it comes to damaging a prosthesis, as opposed to your natural limb. Remember that scene in Terminator 2 when the female guard at the mental institution whacked the terminator in the face with her arm that had a cast on it? Was a powerful blow, but all it did was knock his glasses away. I'd imagine it could be viewed in much the same way for these prosthetics. Also, the kind of people who could actually get the insurance to get these amazing things: somehow I don't think they would be the violent offender types. (Gotta resist urge to reinstall Deus Ex here...)
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| # ? Feb 20, 2013 03:43 |
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itrorev posted:I'm curious to what will happen when we start seeing the first killings committed with prosthetic limbs, and what kind of laws will come about of it. And it doesn't even have to be Cyberpunk-style robo arms that sprout buzzsaws and lasers... Even a more mundane prosthesis could potentially give person an edge in a fight; if it's constructed of fairly sturdy materials it could be used to more easily gouge out an eye, knock out teeth, etc. In theory, even if your limb doesn't really give super strength, you could still hit harder because you probably have less hesitation when it comes to damaging a prosthesis, as opposed to your natural limb. The law better hurry to catch up because it's already happening.
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| # ? Feb 20, 2013 03:51 |
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This is awesome. Technology is moving so fast that it's actually hard to blame people for thinking that a Singularity is right around the corner. I hope technology progresses so that by the time I'm an old gently caress I can become an invincible cyborg. Flawless virtual reality that perfectly simulates the real world wouldn't be bad too, while they're at it. Also reverse aging and immortality. I won't get sick, I won't get any older and I won't ever die. 
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| # ? Feb 20, 2013 04:10 |
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Please don't bring immortality. That would complicated the hell out of things from a practical stand point!
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| # ? Feb 20, 2013 04:15 |
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Royal W posted:Until he crushes his penis like a gorilla crushes a kitten. Two deeply troubling mental images in one sentence, well done. Wicker Man posted:Please don't bring immortality. That would complicated the hell out of things from a practical stand point! Don't fear complications. They're inevitable. It's not the end of the world, but you can see it from here. Bionics looks way sweet, and it's humanitarian. I'm sure they'll got cosmetically more and more lifelike, but I think if I ever lost a limb, my inner child would want me to go the full robot.
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| # ? Feb 20, 2013 04:40 |
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Saint Sputnik posted:
Wow, impressive! I bet those were custom-made. Must have cost her an arm and a leg.
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| # ? Feb 20, 2013 04:57 |
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Custom prostheses are an interesting emerging market. Especially notable in their modeling photos is the integration, the way the leg reflects the vehicle or activity involved.   Very personal, yet ultimately they're disposable, supposed to be replaced after three or four years due to wear and tear. I wonder how someone feels when they have to replace one. Is it as simple as throwing out old sneakers? e: talk given by the designer. He made a leg for a woman to match her purse. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fir5HI0Gwrc Saint Sputnik fucked around with this message at Feb 20, 2013 around 05:15 |
| # ? Feb 20, 2013 04:59 |
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Saint Sputnik posted:The law better hurry to catch up because it's already happening. An elbow-down forearm to fist that fires off like a cannon! The hard part would be explaining why my prosthesis is a clenched lead fist. After you fire the fist you can use it to shoot the cannonballs hidden in your prosthetic leg. Wicker Man posted:Please don't bring immortality. That would complicated the hell out of things from a practical stand point! Finding someone to amputate two of my limbs is going to be difficult, isn't it?
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| # ? Feb 20, 2013 05:10 |
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Saint Sputnik posted:Very personal, yet ultimately they're disposable, supposed to be replaced after three or four years due to wear and tear. I wonder how someone feels when they have to replace one. Is it as simple as throwing out old sneakers? gently caress that, give them to a sculptor or somebody who'll build something awesome out of them.
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| # ? Feb 20, 2013 05:11 |
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When I was younger I had a morbid desire to lose a limb just so I could one day have something like this. And I would've gone full cyborg with it, none of that sissy fake skin crap. Until I mentioned such to a guy I met who had a freakin' kickass robot leg and he chewed me out (for the obvious reasons). I still sorta want one though.
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| # ? Feb 20, 2013 05:15 |
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How long does it take to learn how to fold paper cranes with this new hand?
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| # ? Feb 20, 2013 05:25 |
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Considering the advancements of medical reasearch, stem cells etc... and it not being inconceivable to basically clone/grow new organs and limbs can his research be considered ultimately pointless outside of the neuro-science gains?
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| # ? Feb 20, 2013 05:29 |
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Nutsngum posted:Considering the advancements of medical reasearch, stem cells etc... and it not being inconceivable to basically clone/grow new organs and limbs can his research be considered ultimately pointless outside of the neuro-science gains? Doubtful. From a medical standpoint where it's essential to reclaim mobility, certainly. But eventually bionic limbs could become advanced enough to be more efficient and stronger than a natural limb. There'd be no shortage of people who would jump on that in an instant, even without traumatically losing a natural limb first. Hell, I'm one of them. You could argue that people like that are a little loopy, but there's already literally thousands of sci-fi novels out there that debate that very subject. It would not change the fact that the merging of flesh and metal is a very enticing idea to many people.
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| # ? Feb 20, 2013 05:36 |
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| # ? May 24, 2013 22:00 |
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Being a nerd that used to play Cyberpunk 2020, I look forward to having the option of replacing my arm with a cyber one with Thickened Myomar with Microwave/EMP shielding, skinweave and a neural link for my trust sidearm if my real one ever wears out.
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| # ? Feb 20, 2013 05:56 |
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