Innovative Artificial Knee Joint Demonstrates the Power of Modern Electronics

Recently, researchers from India have demonstrated a locally-designed and manufactured artificial knee that not only provides a more comfortable experience but is cheaper compared to imported devices. What challenges do artificial limbs present, what did the researchers demonstrate, and how does this indicate the extreme costs of medical devices?

What challenges do artificial limbs present?

The loss of limbs has been a fact of human existence for thousands of years, whether due to an encounter with a dangerous animal, infection from disease, or an unfortunate accident. As such, the creation of artificial limbs has been an important business as being able to replace a limb can help provide independence (this is something that was particularly important in the past when life was significantly more cruel and difficult). 

Fast forward to 2022, and the field of artificial limbs has come leaps and bounds thanks to the advances in robotics and AI. Some of the most advanced arms can even provide movable fingers controlled by thinking and/or motion of limbs, and this allows for numerous tasks to be possible such as holding onto objects. But for all the benefits afforded by modern technology, there are still numerous challenges presented by artificial limbs.

The first is that they can be costly to manufacture and fit. As people come in all shapes and sizes, many limbs have to be crafted to fit individuals, which requires a great deal of expertise. Even in these cases, the limbs will likely be purely mechanical with no integration of modern technology, and as such present users with restricted capabilities.

Another challenge artificial limbs face is that they can be distressing to use over extended periods. This is especially true for artificial legs that need to carry the weight of the individual, as they can become uncomfortable while requiring additional assistance (sometimes through the use of a cane).

Researchers from India develop a microcontroller-powered artificial limb

Recently, researchers from the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) have developed an artificial knee that integrates modern electronics with a hydraulic damper to create a joint that provides comfortable use. By using sensors on the knee joint, the limb can detect its current state and make adjustments to the hydraulic damper to adjust the length of the joint. As such, various walking patterns can be accounted for in real-time, providing improved balance to the wearer.

The addition of program software also allows users to make fine adjustments to the setup to improve usage, and this further helps for extended use. Finally, tests with the new device show users being able to walk for 100 meters with little need for assistance. 

But the most important factor in this device is its price. According to the researchers, if manufactured for the general public in India, the device would be around ten times lower than those imported from abroad. This would have a massive impact on the quality of life of those in India, where wages are low, and medical care is extremely high. Instead of relying on trivial limbs that do not provide comfortable use, a locally-source device with integrated intelligence would open up opportunities to tens of thousands. 

How does this indicate the extreme cost of medical technologies?

Many modern medical devices are undoubtedly expensive due to the need for high-tech equipment and advanced engineering. For example, MRI machines can easily hit the millions of dollars requiring liquid helium for cooling and high-speed electronics to detect radio waves generated by the machine. But while these costs are clearly justified, numerous other medical devices and medications otherwise make engineers (such as myself) highly suspicious of the medical industry.

In the case of the researchers from India, they have taken advantage of the Indian economy, which has significantly cheaper prices compared to other markets. But even then, the researchers being able to provide an advanced medical device for a tenth of the price (which would include profit) does raise eyebrows as to why imported devices are so expensive. Considering that the introduction of 3D printing and open-source designs is allowing anyone to manufacture their own hardware at home, it is likely that many may start to turn to their own DIY medical equipment.

Overall, what the researchers have demonstrated will undoubtedly improve the lives of thousands while reducing the burden of medical costs for the general population. However, whether they can scale the device for manufacturing while teaching users how to use the device is another challenge that faces them.