Cybernetics: More Fact Than Fiction

At European Springs Ireland, we do our best to keep abreast of the latest innovations and inventions in the engineering world. Lately, we were astounded by the leaps and bounds being made in the field of prosthetics. In early history, there was little that could be done beyond the basic peg leg and hook hand that were more befitting a pirate than any average person.

As medicine has advanced, however, we have started to see great leaps forward in prosthetic technology. At one time, the humble beginning to this technology was simply an early spring based design, but over time it’s evolved into the sleek flexible carbon fibre blades that are often seen during the grand spectacle that is the Olympics. However, the science of prosthetics has also been used in plenty of other ingenious ways too. Here are a few of our favourites…

The likes of this invention has given new life to thousands, and in fact, due to radical developments in the field, some postulate that these limbs may well be more effective than ever before, with outright advantages over “able-bodied” individuals. Additionally, it’s not only human kind that’s benefitting from these new innovations in 3D design, as even injured animals are starting to reap the rewards of this astounding new science.

This brilliant application of science and engineering doesn’t stop there though, as new developments have made what was considered fantasy a reality! Cybernetics, once thought the province of science fiction, is proving to be very real, as new strides in medical science have led to fully-functioning robotic limbs. The field varies from inbuilt sensors, to the surgical procedure called targeted muscle reinnervation (TMR) that allows wireless signals from the brain itself!

This is just one of the many new designs that are starting to appear as more and more companies invest in this brilliant innovation. Young company Open Bionics has taken further steps to make this technology more available for both amputees and medical labs, as they’ve designed and produced the first 3D printable robot prosthetic. This, combined with the early research of South Korea’s Seoul National University into fully-functioning synthetic skin that would allow amputees to actually ‘feel’ with their new limbs, is astonishing, and it only boggles the mind to what the future might hold.

Being forward thinkers like these giants of innovation, our very own engineers strive for excellence in our products, as we’re proud suppliers of everything from spring clips to compression springs and anything in-between. We are privileged to be able to supply such a wide range of products in a time in which such great leaps forward are being made. For more information about our high quality spring products, please contact us or call on 028 9083 8605. Our friendly support staff will be happy to help with any enquiries.