Physics - Unit 3: Assistive Technology

Bionic Technology: The bionic arm and eye

BY SANAVI NAIK, MYP 3

Introduction
Bionic arm
Functioning
usage
Bionic eye
Functioning
usage
advantages & disadvantages
applications
Conclusion

Bionic technology has helped many to ease their lives after losing a vital part of their body, such as
their eye or an arm. This development in technology is used mainly to assist the disabled and
therefore, is a branch in assistive technology. In this essay, we will be exploring two main products
of bionics, bionic arms and bionic eyes. We will be discussing their functioning, usage, structure,
advantages and disadvantages, applications and more.

Bionic Arm

A bionic arm is a device that attaches to an amputated arm and mimics an actual human arm. It
replicates sensation and movement by using the brain’s signals sent and converting them into
commands for the device to create the movements.

Structure

Bionic arms have different structures according to the level of amputation. Bionic arms range
from partial bionic hands (fingers), only bionic hands (fingers and wrists) and full bionic arms (till
elbow and/or shoulders).

A bionic arm is made of several parts and mechanisms that work similar to fingers. Here, the
opening and closing of bionic fingers is shown.
 A bionic finger’s design usually looks similar
to this image.

(DisabilityHorizons.com)

Advantages

Bionic arms…

1. provide independence to amputees {they won’t rely on others for daily tasks and activities
entirely}
2. can help in creating precise movements {more precise than prosthetic arms}
3. help in improving quality of life {better than not having a limb altogether; with this tech,
it is possible to participate in sports, recreational activities or even apply for jobs that
require motor control}
4. are adaptive and allow for smooth control {because of the brain’s signals being the main
source of commands}

…and can thus help amputees in regaining control over their body.

Disadvantages

With advantages come disadvantages, the bionic arm…

1. produces noise during movement, while natural arms don’t {can be irritating or distressing
for some users}
2. is a heavy object {not a lightweight device so it can be strenuous for those who cannot
handle the weight although more light bionic arms are being made and getting improved}
3. needs battery and charging {plugging an arm to a socket can be inconvenient and so some
solution for powering the arm needs to be made}
4. is expensive {costs of bionic arms are huge and therefore, is the major drawback to this
assistive technology}

and thus, can be impractical as a solution to amputated arms.

 Bionic Eye

A bionic eye is a device that replicates the human eye. It allows those with blindness to be able to
see using various chips and technology that is implanted inside the body.

Structure

A bionic eye works similar to a human eye. It uses a camera and sensors along with various other
tech that is used for processing images.

This image describes more clearly the structure and working of a bionic eye:

(CircuitDigest)

Link to a video that shows how eyesight with a bionic eye would be:
What would the world look like to someone with a bionic eye?

As seen in the video, eyesight is not perfectly clear like a normal person would have.

Advantages

The bionic eye…

 1. can restore vision {for people who are completely blind, it can be helpful to regain vision}
2. can aid in daily activities {will help in being more independent for everyday tasks}
3. can promote advancements in technology {the tech required for bionics will help develop
technology immensely}
4. enhancing vision further {some bionic eyes include features of zooming in and infrared
vision which go above and beyond the human eye}

…and thus, can help in providing vision to those who don’t possess it.

Disadvantages

However, the bionic eye…

1. has a limited range and quality of vision {will not provide you with vision as perfect as the
natural eye}
2. can create risks for anatomy present {as bionic eyes require surgery, risks relating to damage
of present anatomy can arise}
3. technology is not entirely developed {needs further improvement to be able to be a perfect
solution}
4. is expensive {all bionics require great amounts of money and can restrict many from being
able to see}

…and thus, are not the perfect solution for blindness.

Importance and impact of this technology

Bionic technology has developed quite a lot over the years and is a great option for those who are
disabled. It certainly has helped a lot of people. This technology has also caused improvements in
the medical field as well as the tech field. It has allowed for those with disabilities to be able to
participate in our community and make them feel more included instead of left out. Bionics work
with the brain, so we have also learnt a lot from the brain and computer interactions through
these devices. They also have a lot of applications in the real world.
 Prosthetics VS Bionics

The major difference between prosthetics and bionics is that bionics connect with the brain while
prosthetics do not. Mostly prosthetics work on mechanical movements whereas bionics take into
account brain signals and are computerised. Some bionics even connect to the bones for easier
movements whereas you just attach prosthetics to be able to use them. Prosthetics are also cheaper
than bionics because they don’t use a lot of advanced tech.

In conclusion, the branch of assistive technology involving bionics has progressed a lot but still
has a long way to go with helping more and more people around the world.

Bibliography

1. Clement, Rhys, et al. “Bionic Prosthetic Hands: A Review of Present Technology

and Future Aspirations.” ResearchGate, 1 Dec. 2011,
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/51759015_Bionic_prosthetic_hands_
A_review_of_present_technology_and_future_aspirations.

2. Horizons, Disability. “A Complete Guide to Bionic Arms and Hands.” Disability

Horizons, 21 Jan. 2021,
https://disabilityhorizons.com/2021/01/bionic-technology-amputees-disabilities/.

3. Khatri, Pankaj. “Bionic Eye.” Circuit Digest, 6 Nov. 2017,

https://circuitdigest.com/article/bionic-eye.

4. Prosthetics, APC. “What Are Prosthetics & Bionics?” APC Prosthetics, 17 Sept.

2021,

https://apcprosthetics.com.au/the-difference-between-bionics-and-prosthetics/.