Final Master Thesis Master of Artificial Intelligence Universitat Politecnica De Catalunya
Total Page:16
File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb
Final Master Thesis Master of Artificial Intelligence Universitat Politecnica de Catalunya AI and Prosthetics Author: Kyriazi Nefeli Evdokia Director: Albert Oller Pujol 1 Terms of Reference The objective of this Final Master Thesis is to provide an aggregated detailed bibliographic work where the reader can learn anything concerning the prosthetic limbs. Prosthetic limbs is a very interesting area of Artificial Intelligence, Biomedical Engineering and more fields like Neuroscience. The goal of this Thesis is to show the huge innovations and developments of technology that has inserted the field of the prosthetics. Starting with the history behind, the first prosthetic limbs ever made, continuing with the impact on Artificial Intelligence, meeting Bionic limbs that would actually fully replace a biological limb. The reader will learn about the latest researches that are made on this field surprised by the possibility that a bionic hand would actually substitute the brain-hand communication with a constant feedback information, not merely mimics the movement. Main models that serve the needs of many amputees will be analyzed, in parallel with the cost. Another solution, 3D Printing, which is the latest technology nowadays comes to provide an artificial limb for 800$, resolving the affording problem. I will analyze also models of prosthetic arms costing 49$. The reader will also see from the point of view of the amputee, as much as possible and the problems he is facing after losing a limb and with the new artificial one. Nevertheless, after the importance of the field of prosthetics is analyzed and highlighted, the thesis is finishing with a proposal to the Master Program of Artificial Intelligence held by the University Polytechnic of Catalunya to insert a direction on the teaching program. 2 Abstract The topic of prosthetic limbs has opened a new world to those that have lost limbs giving them an option to regain some increased functionality or normalcy. Prosthetic limbs are amazingly important to amputees because a prosthesis can help restore some of the capabilities lost with the amputated limb. Although prosthetic limbs have still not advanced to the point where they can equal the functionality provided by biological limbs, the capabilities they do provide are significant. As we know, bionic limbs is a great field of Artificial Intelligence. The introduction of information technology to prosthetics has allowed bionic limbs to emerge and change the way we were thinking about prosthetic limbs. The ability to easily connect the prosthetic to a person’s brain or muscular system for movement has been made simpler by neural signal. We will be even more amazed from the latest technology inserted in bionic prosthetic limbs. With developments in information technology, the way in which bionic limbs are connected to a person can advance. Allowing progression from simple prosthetics that were merely limb replacements to functioning limbs, to ones that can respond similar to a true limb to become less complicated. Great strides are being made each day in the field of prosthetics, and while great technological challenges remain, artificial limbs are becoming increasingly similar to real limbs. There are more and more companies creating new innovative models, according to people's needs. The cost can decrease from the competition, but maybe not enough for everyone. Here comes 3D Printing, a latest development to give solutions with a cost of 800$. Who can afford an Össur's and Ottobock's prosthetic limb? Are there other options? What is the State of the Art of each model? What are the significant differences we have to focus on? All these questions will be answered in a detailed bibliographic work presented. Then the reader would read information about the point of view of the amputee. What are the problems after losing a limb? What is the meaning of the term phantom limb pain and what are the consequences on the psychology of the amputee? Nevertheless, after the importance of the field of prosthetics is analyzed and highlighted, the thesis is finishing with a proposal to the Master Program of Artificial Intelligence held by the University Polytechnic of Catalunya to insert a direction on the teaching program for the students that may be interested in this field. 3 Table of Contents Contents TERMS OF REFERENCE .................................................................................................................................. 2 ABSTRACT .......................................................................................................................................................... 3 TABLE OF CONTENTS ..................................................................................................................................... 4 AIMS AND OBJECTIVES .................................................................................................................................. 8 1. INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................................................ 9 1.1 PROSTHETIC LIMBS ................................................................................................................................................. 10 1.2 HISTORICAL REVIEW ................................................................................................................................................ 10 1.2.1 History ........................................................................................................................................................ 10 1.2.2 Wood and metal hands .............................................................................................................................. 11 1.2.3 Technology progress before the 20th century ........................................................................................... 12 1.2.4 Modern methods ........................................................................................................................................ 12 1.2.5 Robotic prosthesis ...................................................................................................................................... 14 1.3 STATISTICS ............................................................................................................................................................ 17 1.3.1 Numbers and percents on amputations ..................................................................................................... 17 1.3.2 Causes leading to amputation ................................................................................................................... 19 1.3.3 Hand injuries and occupational accidents - Statistics and prevention ....................................................... 20 2. AI AND PROSTHETICS ............................................................................................................................... 21 2.1 EVOLUTION ........................................................................................................................................................ 21 2.2 WHEN AI FIRST WAS INSERTED .......................................................................................................................... 22 2.3 GENERAL STATE OF THE ART .............................................................................................................................. 22 2.3.1 Components of the prosthesis .................................................................................................................... 22 2.3.2 Options ....................................................................................................................................................... 23 2.4 PROSTHETIC LOWER LIMB TYPES ................................................................................................................................ 23 2.4.1 Mechanical Knees ...................................................................................................................................... 23 2.4.2 Computerized (Microprocessor) Knees....................................................................................................... 27 2.4.3 Foot Prosthesis ........................................................................................................................................... 28 2.4.4 Solid ankle, cushioned heel (SACH) foot prosthesis .................................................................................... 28 2.4.5 Foot prosthesis with single-axis design ...................................................................................................... 28 2.4.6 Foot prosthesis with multiple-axis (multiaxial) design .............................................................................. 28 2.4.7 Foot prosthesis with stored-energy (dynamic response) design ................................................................ 29 2.4.8 Sport-specific foot prosthesis .................................................................................................................... 29 2.4.9 Knee Prosthesis .......................................................................................................................................... 29 2.4.10 Knee prosthesis with single-axis, constant friction design ....................................................................... 29 2.4.11 Knee prosthesis with polycentric design .................................................................................................