Design of a Robotic Rat Hindlimb Knee and Hip Focus; A Socio-Technical Perspective on Veteran Prosthetic Accessibility

Research is conducted in areas where society perceives a need. In the United States, over 1.5 million individuals experience service-related injuries each year. This results in a significant portion of the population becoming physically impaired, with many requiring prosthetics or wheelchairs. However, the growing demand for advanced assistive devices is not matched by their affordability and accessibility. To improve access to these devices and streamline the development process, it is essential to continue research on prosthetics. The challenges we face are not solely technological. Although there is widespread recognition of the importance of these mobility services, access to devices is influenced by a variety of socio-technical factors, including financial constraints, government policies, and societal research and development priorities. My STS topic examines the socio-technical factors that affect U.S. veterans’ access to mobility devices. These factors include the elements driving the costs of mobility aids and prosthetics, government funding for research, and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), as well as gaps in research priorities dictated by social considerations. My technical topic focuses on designing a robotic rat hind limb that accurately mimics joint mechanics. This aims to enhance the research and development of prosthetic devices. By integrating insights from socio-technical analysis with advancements in bioengineering, this work seeks to improve the accessibility and innovation of prosthetics for those who need them most.