Bionic Technology Changes Formers Soldier’s Life

Prosthetic limbs continue to develop at a rapid pace.

Prosthesis research is the future of bioengineering and medicine. The chance to give amputees a limb that they’ve been longing for is actually coming to light. Though they’re still in the phases of development, there has been substantial progress.

The Alfred Mann Foundation, along with the help of Steve Doctrow of Rogers & Cowan, gave Staff Sergeant James Sides a chance to regain his right hand back in the form of bionic technology.

A Second Chance

During Sides’ second tour of Afghanistan, he encountered an IED in the middle of the road. During the diffusing process, the unexpected occurred. It exploded, causing Sides to lose the vision in one eye along with his right hand.

Sides was then chosen to undergo a scientifically enhanced recovery process in Walter Reed Hospital. The bionic hand was attached to the limb with eight sensors connected at the elbow. The sensors received signals from the brain that allowed for movement in his hand.

Completely Under His Control

The remarkable thing about Sides’ bionic hand is that he can grip up to thirty pounds without much difficulty while still proving a gentle enough grip and touch to handle a delicate object like an egg.

James Sides isn’t the only amputee that is undergoing recovery in the form of a prosthetic or bionic hand. Many other struggling amputees are looking into prosthesis to return themselves back to normalcy. While it may seem farfetched to think that prosthetic limbs will take over the world by storm, it’s safe to say that they’re making great strides in becoming a beneficial product.