The Impact of AI and Bionics on Enhancing Rehabilitation for War Veterans

Valera Kucherenko, a former Ukrainian army soldier, re-enlisted when Russia invaded in 2022. Unfortunately, on a night in October 2023, he lost both hands in a grenade attack.

For Ukrainian soldiers, Valera's story is sadly familiar. Since the war began, around 20,000 Ukrainians have suffered limb loss. Normally, such injuries would mean the end of their military service. However, advancements in bionics are now allowing some veterans to continue serving their country.

Kucherenko shared with CNN that prosthetics have enabled him to go back to the army. He was given two bionic hands, which are a new offering in the market. These hands are from Esper Bionics, a company with a focus on advanced prosthetics and based in Ukraine and the US.

Artificial Intelligence is causing major changes in various industries, but it is also bringing about innovative solutions. In the realm of bionic prosthetics, AI and machine learning have the potential to assist individuals who have lost limbs in restoring functions - and maybe even achieving new functions beyond what human limbs can do. This is the vision of the team at Esper.

"I believe that AI will play a crucial role in the future of bionics," says Dima Gazda, the CEO of Esper Bionics.

Gazda, a physician and engineer from Ukraine, collaborated with his team for many years to enhance the Esper Hand. He mentions that their systems have always been designed with AI in mind.

In this bionic hand, AI plays a crucial role in assisting the prosthetic to rapidly adapt and learn the user's behavior. It also helps in selecting the hand grips that will be most useful for the user.

Gazda explains that the system will learn if he repeatedly picks up a cup from the table. The AI-enabled hand is also able to sense muscle activity.

In addition to AI technology, bionic prosthetics are now designed with greater precision to imitate natural human movements. For instance, the Esper Hand is equipped with 6 motors, with one for each finger and two for the thumb. This feature enables individual movement of each finger.

According to Esper Bionics, there are currently 70 Ukrainian soldiers using Esper Hands. However, there is a high demand for these prosthetic devices, with around 170 people currently on the waitlist. As the conflict in Ukraine persists, the number of individuals requiring these devices is expected to increase.

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How Ukrainian vets are using AI and bionics to recover from limb loss

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• Source:

CNN

Helping hand

About 20 minutes from Minneapolis, inside an office complex, there is a clinic operated by the non-profit Protez Foundation. Here, a group of Ukrainian veterans, each missing at least one limb, gather every morning. They review the schedule for the day, which includes prosthetic fittings and training. Those with prosthetic legs work on walking, while others, like Kucherenko with prosthetic hands, practice tasks such as building with blocks.

The clinic is overseen by Yakov Gradinar, the chief medical officer of the Protez Foundation. Gradinar, a Ukrainian prosthetist residing in Minnesota, co-founded Protez shortly after the war began in 2022. The name "Protez" translates to "prosthetic" in Ukrainian.

Gradinar shared, "You're looking for purpose in your life. Ukraine is in need of prosthetics, and as a prosthetist, I can make a difference."

The Protez Foundation and Esper Bionics have joined forces in a unique collaboration to assist Ukrainians. Through this partnership, Esper Bionics provides the Esper Hand to Protez at production prices (typically priced at $20,000), and Protez then custom fits them to users at no cost.

Gradinar has observed how quickly veterans are adjusting to the Esper Hands. One of his patients, Valera Kucherenko, who lost both arms in a grenade attack, is now back in Ukraine and planning to re-enter the army to train soldiers.

The determination and drive of the veterans are key factors in their adaptation. However, the role of technology is also significant.

The prosthetist mentions that while negativity around AI is often discussed, not enough attention is given to the potential for technology to adapt itself. The goal is for technology to enhance bionic prosthetics, making them more advanced and intelligent.

Currently, Esper is focusing on developing a leg model and an exoskeleton. Their ultimate vision is to create health devices that benefit all of humanity, but their immediate focus is on providing assistance to individuals in Ukraine.

“Our dedication is to help people who have the biggest need,” Gazda said. “I think by working together with the Protez Foundation, we are making Ukraine stronger.”

Editor's P/S:

The story of Valera Kucherenko and the advancements in bionic prosthetics is both inspiring and thought-provoking. It showcases the indomitable spirit of those who have suffered severe injuries in war, and the transformative power of technology in helping them regain their lives and purpose. The ingenuity and collaboration of Esper Bionics and the Protez Foundation are commendable, as they strive to provide Ukrainian soldiers with cutting-edge prosthetics that enable them to continue serving their country and rebuild their lives.

Furthermore, the article highlights the transformative potential of AI in the field of bionics. AI-enabled prosthetics can not only restore lost functions but also provide users with capabilities beyond human limbs. This has the potential to revolutionize the lives of individuals with limb loss, empowering them with greater independence and mobility. As technology continues to advance, it is important to harness its power to develop innovative solutions that improve the quality of life for all, particularly those who have suffered life-changing injuries.