TEDで学ぶ医療系英語　＃２

"The affordable, 3D-printed bionics of the future"

対象：英検準１級以上　CEFR：B2-C1、医療系の学部を志望する受験生

プレゼン内容要約

プレゼンテーションのスクリプトを要約したものです。初見で読んで難しければ、下にあるQuizletの語彙学習用のリンクから単語を確認し、再読してみてください。

The speaker, born without a right hand, emphasizes the importance of creating affordable prostheses for people with disabilities, particularly in developing countries. Growing up in Cusco, Peru, he was inspired by the prosthetic hand seen in "Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back," which ignited his dream of having a similar prosthesis. This ambition led him to study mechatronics engineering and join a multidisciplinary team at Pontifical Catholic University of Peru, where they developed a myoelectric prosthesis with haptic feedback.

Despite the success of their research project, the high cost of the prosthesis, approximately $40,000 due to imported components, was a significant barrier, especially for individuals in developing countries. Recognizing his privilege, the speaker sought to develop a more affordable solution. By reducing the number of motors from eight to one and focusing on three primary gestures—pinch, cylindrical, and lateral—he significantly lowered costs. Additionally, they reduced the number of electromyography sensors from eight to one.

The speaker's team further cut costs by 3D printing prostheses using recycled plastic bottles. The process involves 3D scanning the amputated area and the user's other hand, then using parametrization software to create a computational model before 3D printing the parts. LAT Bionics, the speaker's company, offers two types of prostheses: Maki (mechanical activation) and Pisko (electronic activation), with Pisko costing just 10 percent of an imported robotic prosthesis.

The speaker highlights the transformative impact of these affordable prostheses on users' lives, exemplified by Franco, who uses a Maki prosthesis to work on his jungle farm. Emphasizing the capacity to develop region-specific technology, the speaker advocates for empowering people with disabilities and limited resources to live full lives. He concludes by inviting others to join in this mission, transforming compassion into astonishment as people regain their independence and productivity.

Through his journey, the speaker aims to revolutionize prosthetic accessibility, ensuring that technological advancements benefit those most in need.

語彙学習

Quizletの「医療系英語学習用クラス」の参加リンクです。プレゼンテーションタイトルがついた学習リストが対応しています。英ー英のものと、英ー和のものがあります。

https://quizlet.com/join/HPZg7ZP2y

TED動画

Enzo Romero: The affordable, 3D-printed bionics of the future