Current Trends&Challenges in Prosthetic Product Development: Literature Review

Bionic prosthetic limbs are rapidly advancing. In-depth knowledge of this field until recently, was only required by those working in specialized prosthetics. With evolving technology, it is likely that both demand and utilization of bionic limbs will increase, and more extensive understanding will be necessary. The bionic limb of today has progressed greatly, but it still endures high user abandonment (dismissal). The explanations behind dismissal, were deficient functionality of the equipment, compatibility with the subject, fragile design, and complex control methods. In the past decade, academia and industry have achieved real improvements in the technical features of bionic prosthetics limbs and techniques for bionic interface and control. Advanced robotic hands are offered by several organizations and research groups, with an assortment of active and passive wrist options customizable over several degrees of freedom. Currently, elbow joint designs incorporate dynamic arrangements with different weight and power alternatives. Control features are progressing in digital capability with options for sensor incorporation and multi-joint articulation. Recent advances in socket design are encouraging implantable and multiple surface electromyography sensors for customary and Osseo integration-based systems. Cost is a barrier affecting the usage of bionic prosthetics, particularly for support, repair and replacement, and constraints increasing component complexity to perform more distinct tasks. Lifetime costs of bionic prosthetic care are high. Furthermore, issues in quality, adaptability, continuance, and versatility are key factors that limits the usage of bionics. We present a literature review covering the current state of the bionic prosthetic limb market and its technical base for both technologies and techniques. We examine the functionality and features of the world's leading solution architectures and its impact on bionic product design. We do this in a value-added methodology exploring the body of knowledge for key areas underpinning the adoption of cutting edge bionic prosthetic technology. Finally, we provide a decision analysis model; recommendations for current research shortfalls; and future research needs.