Beyond Bionics: The Future of Augmented Modular Prosthetics

The majority of modern prosthetic limbs are made to resemble actual human hands in both appearance and movement. However, in practice, they have limited capabilities and frequently need repair. Using a literature review and insights from various fields, this paper examines both the current state and the key issues of traditional prosthetics. It also discusses why augmented prosthetics might be a better direction. The findings reveal that augmented limbs can be more flexible and functional, offering users more options based on their needs. Beyond that, modular design may help lower production costs, making prosthetics more accessible, especially for people in developing countries or with fewer resources and lower income. Another advantage of modular design would be the simplification of verification and compliance process, which enables new designs to benefit patients at the earliest possible stage. Although the current technological limitations of augmented limbs are complex, the rapid advancement of neuroscience is likely to overcome them in the near future.