i. Specific Innovation of Interest: Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency's(DARPA) Mind-Controlled Prosthetic Arm
ii. Rationale for Selecting this Innovation: This innovation is likely to change the world in the future as it is still being researched and fine-tuned. Expected to be out in the market in 4-5 years time. What is interesting is that you can resume bodily functions with this. Before this, prosthetics always had an end there was either for display or at most pinching mechanism or a hook. But this actually restores everything that your arm(including hand) can do. It has the ability to bend, rotate and twist in 27 different ways, very much like an ordinary arm.
iii. Proposed Approach to Development of Paper:
Executive Summary
Background/Introduction
- Uses of prosthetics.
- The need for prosthetic arms.
- Who worked to invent this information.
Historical Perspective
- History of prosthetics.
- How different the models were in the past.
- How from very simple designs, it has become more complexed.
- In the past just hooks or clamp grips. Static additions to replace lost arms.
Current Situation
- How prosthetics have helped many individuals lead a regular life.
- Yet how the current technology is limited by the design and functionality of the prosthetic arms.
Future Considerations
- The drastic improvements in terms of convenience to victims without arms.
- Regaining the ability not only to hold, but to grab, twist and roll with prosthetic hand(with fingers).
- How given the functionality, useability and feasibility(determined in the future) of such a mind-controlled prosthetic arm can be a borrowed technology to prosthetics for other parts of the body.
Conclusions
References
Reviewer #1: Ethan (Yu Jun)
ReplyDeleteHey Willis!
Under historical perspective:
I think that you might want to just talk about the disadvantages of the arms invented in the past, and how the current innovations have helped improved on these limitations.
Under future considerations:
I don't think that the first 2 point are future considerations, because it is already currently taking place. In the sense that people are already benefitting from prosthetic arms, and hence, its not a future consideration.
That's all, the general direction seems alright!
Cheers!
Ethan
Reviewer #1: Ethan (Yu Jun)
ReplyDeleteHey Willis!
Your approach seems quite interesting, but you might want to look at the disadvantages which the past prosthetics might have, and how the current prosthetic arms actually overcome these limitations.
Also, under your future considerations, I think that your first 2 points should go under the current situation. These advantages are already being experienced by the users themselves.
Cheers!
Ethan
Review by Suresh:
ReplyDeleteYour topic is specific and well defined. The topic chosen is possible to do and you can explain in sufficient detail in 10 pages. You can also evaluate the cost and technological needs of the product in terms of energy. How will the arm be powered? Batteries or some renewable source of energy? Looking forward to seeing your draft.
Reviewer: Jannah
ReplyDeleteHey Willis!
An innovative topic you got there.
Coincidentally, I was reading a few articles about this before doing your review. When I saw your title, somehow it reminded me of double-amputee sprinter Oscar Pistorius. so maybe it's good to share with you what I read as it has some links you can consider to your topic:
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/01/14/sports/main3707924.shtml
http://sports.espn.go.com/espnmag/story?id=3357051
IHe uses a special-made prostatic limbs which are not mechanically controlled to run races and he actually outwin the other normal runners. But even then controversies were being spouted about how these devices make him more advantageous than the normal man.
I believe your scope is more on how these devices can eliminate the inconveniences of everyday life on the limbless. Maybe you want to consider how people working in certain fields where these special limbs may be seen as giving them a competitive edge/advantage? will the masses be able to accept 'robotic limb' people to compete in normal olympics without giving them a headstart? Maybe this can add in the analytical/evaluation part of your paper.
All the best in your report! :)