Bloomberg Businessweek Biomechatronics Pioneer on Meeting the Needs of Women Patients
Nov 21, 2025
Hugh Herr, an MIT Media Lab professor and bionics expert, shares his journey from double-amputation survivor to pioneer in biomechatronics. He discusses the revolutionary advancements in prosthetic technology, highlighting the shift from wooden limbs to computer-controlled, sensory bionics. Herr emphasizes the importance of designing prosthetics that cater specifically to women, addressing the gender bias in traditional devices. He also touches on preventing amputations linked to diabetes and his vision for future advances that enhance movement and reduce pain.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Personal Drive From Amputation
- Hugh Herr lost both legs below the knee after a mountain climbing accident at age 17 and faced limited prosthetic technology.
- That experience drove him to dedicate his life to advancing prosthetics and bionics to restore human movement.
From Wood To Brain-Connected Bionics
- Prosthetics evolved from passive wood-and-foam devices to computer-controlled systems with sensory feedback and actuation.
- Herr emphasizes integrating human biology with mechatronics to connect the brain to prostheses and exoskeletons.
Male Bias In Prosthetic Design
- Amputations from traumatic injury are predominantly male, so prosthetic development has been male-biased.
- Herr stresses the urgent need for truly personalized prosthetics that reflect women's anatomical and functional needs.