Yes, I know. There is no way you can *really* make up for the loss of one's limb. But, you can ameliorate it.

Put super abilities into the prosthesis. For example, if one has lost his legs, put heavy-duty batteries and motors (perhaps hydraulics) in so he can actually jump higher, run faster, etc., with his artificial legs than with those he lost. You could put in a small computer, [various tools (credit Mackenzie with Swiss Arm for amount between brackets)], unlimited rotation, MP3 player with 1GB Flash memory, digital camera, PDA, greater flexibility, and lots of other stuff.
-- galukalock, Mar 12 2003

The Borg http://scifi.about.com/cs/borg/
For Snarfy. Read, absorb and inwardly digest. You may be assimilated later. [8th of 7, Oct 04 2004]

Better stronger faster http://www.oandp.or...ary/2000_01_009.asp
scroll down to conclusion [2 fries shy of a happy meal, Oct 04 2004]

This ones cool. Real muscles. http://www.globalte...hMarch01/robots.htm
[2 fries shy of a happy meal, Oct 04 2004]

"Steve Austin. A man barely alive..."
-- waugsqueke, Mar 12 2003


Um...yeah, like that. Although I hadn't remembered that 'til you mentioned it.
-- galukalock, Mar 12 2003


Really, I wasn't thinking quite along the lines of the show (which I've never seen, but heard of), as you may perceive by observing the parts about MP3's and other computer-type stuff.
-- galukalock, Mar 12 2003


You're just extending the established theme, though. There's been rumors of a "Six Billion Dollar Man" movie being made, as a result of the slew of hit films based on terrible 70s television shows. (In fact, Kevin Smith was considered to write at one time.) Anyway, the updated version will be quite similar to what you describe. They'll update the toys, I'm sure.
-- waugsqueke, Mar 12 2003


Do I sense an element of Borg-ness? Next you'll be telling everyone they will be assimilated....after all, resistance is futile.
-- silverstormer, Mar 12 2003


Ain't it, though? (disclaimer: I do not know what a Borg is; just that it's a Star Trek Spinoff ref, generally)
-- snarfyguy, Mar 12 2003


Maybe it's my advanced AI super-brain implant.
-- galukalock, Mar 12 2003


Thank you for your input. I appreciated the message. I realize something reliable would be better than a bells-and-whistles thing.

However, when I thought of this, it was because there are people who would genuinely have a use for these things (MP3 player was merely an example). There are those who lost the limb on the job, and now can't do that job, or can't do it well. If they had limbs that could to as much or more than their natural ones, they could remain functional in society. The ability to rotate one's hand unlimitedly, for example, would reduce the need to use a drill for driving screws. Greater flexibility and sterngth would allow them to perform as much, if not more, work as they used to. Other things, like computers, are just icing on the cake, so to speak (I know that losing a body part is no cakewalk).

Sincerest apology for the bad pun. I typed it before I realized what it said.
-- galukalock, Mar 13 2003


The key snag to overcome would be attaching the limb to the user. If it was a lot more powerful that the limb that it replaced, it may put undue strain on the user. My limb is pretty good and the materials are high-tech but the method of attaching it to me is the same as it was 70+ years ago.
-- oneoffdave, Mar 13 2003


// I do not know what a Borg is //

We will come and explain that to you.
-- 8th of 7, Mar 13 2003


In that order?

Anything which helps a "handicapped" person not only overcome limitations, but exceed the DNA we're stuck with to become handi-capable - is a good thing. However, there's some things to bear in mind: Insurance Companies don't bend over backwards to add features, unless physician gives good cause, etc.
Extra components add weight - and one shouldn't take for granted that even those parts sans extra components need to be stable and reliable, let alone - present. Can't just go to the local drugstore or hardware store to pick up a knee.
As hinted by the knee comment, there are maintenance issues with current prosthetics, let alone designs of earlier era's, as oneoffdave - our resident expert has attested.
As jutta indicated, there's regions of the world where the percentage of amputees is higher than in highly industrialized countries. They should not be left out of the equation.
-- thumbwax, Mar 13 2003


For what it's worth, I think that if prosthetics like these became available in industrialized countries, those who 'traded up' to them would donate their old prosthetics to charities, who would then give them to people in third-world countries.
-- galukalock, Mar 13 2003


What if i lost my genitals.. what are u gonna give me??
-- DC, Mar 13 2003


A service animal.
-- bungston, Mar 13 2003



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