biomechatronics

Biomechatronics is an interdisciplinary field that integrates biology, medicine, engineering, and computer science to design systems that interact with living tissue to restore, augment, or replace biological function. It combines biomechanics, mechatronics, and neurophysiology to create devices and interfaces that work with the human body, emphasizing real-time sensing, actuation, and control.

Core components include biosensors that detect physiological signals, actuators that deliver force or movement, and control systems that translate biological intent into machine action. Interfaces with nerves or muscles enable voluntary control, while feedback channels provide sensory information to the user or controller.

Origin and scope: The field emerged from advances in mechatronics and biomedical engineering in the late 20th century, with early myoelectric prostheses and neural interfaces paving the way. Today biomechatronics encompasses neural prosthetics, implantable devices, rehabilitative robotics, exoskeletons, and biohybrid systems that integrate living tissue with machines.

Applications include upper- and lower-limb prostheses controlled by EMG or brain signals, neural prosthetics for motor or sensory restoration, assistive exoskeletons, rehabilitation devices, and biosignal-driven medical implants that monitor and respond to physiological states.

Challenges include achieving robust, biocompatible interfaces with long-term stability, managing signal variability and noise, ensuring safety and regulatory compliance, and addressing ethical, privacy, and accessibility considerations as devices become more integrated with the body.