As with most events on this program, you never really know where you're going until you get there. To my surprise, going to the Otto Bock Science Center was one of the highlights of my trip. Maybe it was the sleek building design simulated to look like muscle. Or maybe it was the high tech interactive exhibits. Or maybe it was just the simple fact that biomedical engineers are just plain fascinated with prosthetics.
The walking man/women started out the tour. By changing different settings, 15 joint points could be altered. Happy or sad, heavy or light, man or woman, different body and emotion types effect the gait of our walk. We then viewed a few historical items of prosthetics and of course the sensory homunculus!
We then visited several stations that described movement and the muscles we use. We then balanced across a deep ravine...ok well it was just a CGI image but it was still fun! On the top floor we got to see some of their prosthesis products in action such as the C-leg and try to wheel ourselves around Brandenburg Gate.
By far the most interesting aspect of prosthetics, would be neuroprosthetics. The ability for the mind to control a foreign mechanical object by placement of nerves is beyond cool. I discovered neuroprosthetics as a senior in high school and have always been interested in that aspect of research.
I was extremely impressed by the Otto Bock Science Center. Their desire to give people movement inspires me. I will always be on the lookout now for new innovations from Otto Bock!
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