Arms (and Legs) for Man: The Structure of Cybernetic Limbs

From a seminar by Hugh Darrow for BBC Four, Spring 2009

The form and function of what are commonly known as cybernetic limbs - that is, mechanical augmentation prosthetics - can be summed up in a single word; improvement.

These augmentation technologies replace feet, hands, legs, or arms with a synthetic model that can easily replicate, if not surpass, the abilties of an organic limb.

In cross-section, cyber-limbs are composed of muscles made from electroactive polymer bunches arranged around artificial bones that are, in turn, formed from dense superplastics or lightweight metal alloy foams. Fluid shock-absorbing joint mechanisms complete the mimicry of human form, and to give the limbs a more "realistic" sense, they are typically coated with a nano-scale artificial epidermis that resembles flesh.

Inside the limbs, microcomputer units interface directly with biochips implanted in the organic parts of the augmentee's body, translating nerve impulses from the brain directly into action and motion.

Far more advanced then the crude constructs of the past, these human augmentations allow us to become better, faster, stronger.