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Bionics Technology

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Submitted By bostonbob2020
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#1: Paradigm shift
Bionics technology Bionics technology is the use of systems and methods that occur naturally and then applying those methods and systems to engineering and technology studies (1). One example of how the study of systems in nature have been used to develop products that can be manufactured and taken to market was in the development of dirt and water resistant paint. The paint was developed after observing that nothing will stick to the leaf of the Lotus flower (2). Another example of technology that was developed from studying nature would be Sonar which mimics the echolocation of bats (3). There are currently several companies, including Raytheon and Lockheed Martin, which are developing Ekso Bionics body armor for military use. These suits would allow a soldier to lift as much as 200Lbs without assistance reducing the need for special lifting equipment in the field (4). Another advantage to soldier’s would be the ability to run greater distances with less fatigue. This would be accomplished because the weight of the soldier would be transferred to the ground through titanium legs (5). The lack of a reliable, lightweight power source is the one thing that is currently holding back the development and use of Ekso Bionics. However, developers are currently exploring the use of electrochemical and solid oxide fuel cells to overcome this problem (6). In the future this technology will be used in a more routine day to day basis in areas such as manufacturing, law enforcement and in areas that pose a significant risk to the humans that would normally perform the task. Another growing use for Bionics is helping paraplegics to walk again. According to a recent CNN story, Hayden Allen, 23 years old was told by doctors that he would never walk again (7). Five years later Allen went for a walk with his new legs. He told CNN reporters that being able to stand and walk was a fantastic experience. He was most happy about being able to stand and speak with someone at eye level. As the speed of electronics keeps increasing and the size of electric motors decreases the future of bionics holds a great promise. Everything from fingers to facial muscles are possible.

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