Designing bionic arms has a 'monumental' impact

Tilly Lockey explains how, after losing her hands to meningitis at 15 months old, she has dedicated her time to co-designing some of the most advanced bionic arms on the market with Open Bionics. She has been using the company’s Hero Arms for about 10 years. She controls the prosthetics by moving different muscles in her arms. She says the devices have opened “so many doors for me that I’m … proud and excited to be at the forefront of it and get to see everything that’s happening.”

Class discussion: Tilly has described herself as a “bionic girl.” How are advances in computerized prosthetics and various implants helping other “bionic people” overcome serious disabilities? Do developers of these advanced devices need advice from early users such as Tilly to improve their designs? Will developments in artificial intelligence and robotics enable people with serious injuries to lead more normal lives?