The Robert Spence TEDxTo session showed how the Canadian filmmaker immerses himself into the world of cyborg prosthetic innovations to learn more about the astonishing advances on the subject and to suggest that in the year 2027 people will consider chopping off a limb to have a more powerful one implanted.
Spence is an avid director whose work has been presented on networks such as CBC, Discovery, Space, Sky and Vision. He lost his right eye in an accident about six years ago, which led him to create one of the 50 best inventions of the year according to Time Magazine: a wireless video camera prosthetic eye. Sounds like a true science-fiction movie. Inspired by a futuristic cyborg character from the video game Deus Ex, Spence decided to travel around the globe to find how far off we are in cyborg prosthetics and biomechanical technology.
Would you chop off your arm to have a more powerful one implanted? This gallery presents some of the most technological advances on the subject. Although Spence believes this is only the beginning, it’s definitely worth checking out where we stand at present.
90 Cyborg Prosthetic Innovations

89
19 Amputation Innovations
From Amputee Models to Self-Amputations

88
49 Incredible Implants & Transplants
From a Full Face Transplant to Bionic Eyes
87
Bionic Contact Lenses
Real Holographic Displays for the Eye
86
85 Rad Robots
From Freestyling Bots to Motorcycle Riding Robots
85
Athletic Designer Prosthetics
The Adidas Symbiosis Provides More Organic Movement
84
Tasseled Sunglasses
Beyonce's Tinsel Shades
83
Alienesque Prosthetic Arms
Kaylene Kau Designs a Unique Limb for Handicapped Individuals
82
Bionic Eye Restores Sight to the Blind
81
From Amputee To Mermaid
A Tale Of A Tail
80
Futuristic Body Mods
Sci-Fi Suspension Play & Transplanted Body Parts
79
Eco Movie Cyborgs
Anchalee Saengtai Creates Incredible Life-Size Replicas of Autobots
78
14 Features Showing People as Robots
Cyborg Culture Goes From Sci-Fi to the Mainstream
77
Intelligent Off-Road Autos
Mercedes Benz Cyborg Sensation Vehicle is a Bit of a Mind-Reader
76
Steampunk Mask Fittings
The Techno Masks by Richard Symons are Freakishly Well-Made
75
Incredible CGI Cyborgs
“Terminator Salvation” Design Art Released
74
Robotic Exoskeleton to Aid the Elderly or Workers
73
Cyborg Translators
NEC Tele Scouter Computer Turns Text into a Retinal Display (UPDATE)
72
Cyborg Accessories for Men
Metal Couture by Manuel Albarran
71
Cyberpunk Humans
‘Iron Man' Photography Showcases Tyler Riggs
70
Stylish Artificial Limbs
Outfeet by Aviya Serfaty is a Fashionable Prosthetic Leg
69
Wearable Transportation
‘The Chariot' Makes You Look Like a Cyborg
68
26 Cyborg & Prosthetic Innovations
Tech-Savvy Enhancements to Mother Nature
67
Enhancing Arm Prosthetics
The 'METIS Bionic Prosthesis' Offers a 360-Degree Range of Motion
66
Thought Controlled Bionic Arm
65
High-Tech Prosthetics
Colin Matso's Design for Nike Enables the Disabled
64
Prosthetic Arms for Wounded Soldiers
Dean Kamen's Luke Arm Demo
63
Mesmerizing Matrix Muses
Diamante Murru Depicts Technologically-Enhanced Woman
62
16 Innovations for & from the Disabled
From Street Performers to High-Tech Prosthetics
61
Cyborg Chic
Dazed Digital Shows Outrageous Plastic Masks For ‘Man Machine' Edition
60
Prosthetic Arm Fashion
Huseklepp 'Immaculate' Design Makes Prosthetics Functionally Hip
59
DARPA-Inspired Cyborg Bugs
Dean Christ's Controversial Collection Casts Eye On Warfare
58
Biotechnological Breakthroughs
Popular Mechanics Lists 20 Incredible Biotech Discoveries of 2008
57
Prosthetic Paws
Oscar the Bionic Cat is the First Feline to Get Two False Legs
56
Android-Inspired Tights
The Darkhorse ‘Maria' Robot Leggings are for Aspiring Cyborgs
55
Bilateral Amputee Makes Controvercial Bid for Able-Bodied 2008 Olympics
54
High-Tech X-Finger Replaces Lost Digits
53
Bionic Hand Transplants
The Otto Bock 'MichelAngelo'
52
Cyborg Photography
Is The EyeCamera 4.1 With Wink and Shoot A Hoax?
51
Lifelike Bionic Hand
The Touch Bionics i-LIMB
50
3D-Printed Limbs
The Ecko Unltd Prosthetic Leg is Perfectly Functional
49
Prosthetic Phalanges
The Touch Bionic 'ProDigits' Offer Advanced Dexterity for the Disabled
48
Bionic Eye
Retina Replacement Prototype
47
Cyborg Mice
Mad Catz Introduces the Cyborg R.A.T. Mouse
46
Robot Guard
Samsung's Sentry Robot Kicks Ass
45
27 Prosthetic Innovations
From Replacement Limbs to Prosthetic Lungs
44
Prosthetics for the Poor
JaipurKnee Project's $20 Artificial Knees to Developing World
43
Bionic Touch Sensations
Oak Ridge National Laboratory Replicates Touch With Carbon Nanotubes
42
Cyborg Contact Lenses
Control Your Mouse with Your Eye Movements
41
Bionic Animal Innovation
Hi-Tech Surgery Provides Prosthetic Paw to Footless Pooch
40
37 Prosthetic Inspirations
From USB Replacement Fingers to Energy-Recycling Prosthetics
39
21 Terminator-Inspired Innovations
From Animated Movie Posters to Robotic Limb Auctions
38
Prosthetic Lungs
Respiratory Aids to Wear Around Your Waist
37
Cyborg Prosthetics for Humans
The Eye-Mounted Webcam
36
Amputee Fins
The Neptune Swimming Aid Will Make a Dolphin Out of You
35
Cyborg Athletes for Cell Phones
Beckham Goes 'Terminator' for the Motorola AURA
34
Cyborg Firefighter Armor
'PyroPack' Makes Firemen Look Like "RoboCop"
33
Lightning Cyborg Structures
The UPI-2M Biooctanic Building Betters Urban Cities
32
Bespoke Prosthetic Limbs
Scott Summit Offers Customized Options for Artificial Legs
31
Robotic Legs For Amputees
Iraqi Vet Goes Bionic Thanks to MIT
30
Energy-Recycling Prosthetics
Artificial Foot Makes Walking Easier for Amputees
29
Mechanical Cyborg Arms
Revolutionary Equipois Exoskelton Limb Makes Gun Shows Obsolete
28
Creepy Crawly Robots
The Kanibot Cyborg Vehicle Will Give You Technopohobia
27
Cellular Cyborgs
Motorola V600 Decepticon Transforms Mobile Phones Forever
26
Real-Life Bionic Eyes
Solar Powered Contact Lenses
25
Cyborg Clocks
The Tick Mark Wristwatch Tells Time With Red Light Indications
24
Pinching Prosthetics
Stephen Stum Simplifies the Prosthetic Arm for More Practical Uses
23
Eye-Mounted Videocameras
One-Eyed Filmmaker Robert Spence Starts 'Eyeborg Project'
22
Revolutionary Bionic Hands
Touch Bionics Unveil 'i-LIMB Pulse' Bluetooth-Accesorized Prosthesis
21
Cyborg Sea Creatures
The SHOAL Robotic Fish Helps Detect Pollution in Oceans
20
Bionic Legs
In the Future, the Rex Could Replace the Wheelchair
19
Camera Implants For Insects
Cyborg Spy Flies
18
Bio-Charging
Self-Healing Artificial Muscle Charges an iPhone
17
Bionic Eyes 2.0
Retinal Implants Go High-Def
16
Cyborg Pledge Collectors
The DON-8r Fundraising Robot is the New Sidewalk Canvasser
15
Bell-Shaped Butler Bots
RoboDynamics Luna Robot Has Been Engineered to Serve the Masses
14
Realistic Bionic Hands
The Bebionic Hand Looks Amazingly Real and Responsive
13
Cyborg Cover Shots
Chris Milk Shoots Kanye West Into the Future for Complex
12
Glowing Eyes
The Eyeborg Project Plunks Lights Over Top of Your Peepers
11
Insectified Cyborg Scouts
ISOPOD Robot Watcher May Become Man's New Best Friend
10
Construction Cyborgs
Kaputt.R Demolition Robot is a Destructive Demon
9
Senior Cyborgs
Douglas Kalberg Gives Us a Glimpse into the Future
8
Microcontrolled Insects
Remote Controlled Beatles Are Part Living, Part Robot.
7
Prosthetic Ice Axes
Phil Myers' Axe-Hands are Made Specially for Handicapped Mountaineers
6
Cyborg Sprinters
This Bionic Leg Mimics its Organic Counterpart Perfectly
5
Cyborg Boots
Michigan Engineers Take Us One Step Closer to Bionic Feet
4
Therapeutic Tech Walkers
The eLEGS Exoskeleton is a Medical Rehabilitation Device
3
Wide-View Night Vision Goggles
The SA Photonics High-Resolution Cyborg Helmet is for the Military
2
Social Media Cyborgs
Joseph Tame Plans to Broadcast his Tokyo Marathon Run via an iRig
1
Bionic Noses
Sensational Sniffer Fights Crime, Cancer and Terrorism
Related Ideas
Rimless Smart Eyewear
Eddie Bauer Smart Eyewear Includes Voice Access to ChatGPT
Smartphone-Inspired Accessories
HMD Dropped the Phonecore Range During LFW with Sinead Gorey
AI-Powered Lipstick Application Systems
Grupo Boticário Partners with CESAR Innovation Hub
AI-Powered Productivity Projectors
The Conceptual 'Lay' Portable AI Device is Packed with Sensors
Camera-Equipped AI Earbuds
The Conceptual 'Cell Buds' by Minwoo Kim Capture Environmental Details
Multitasking Household Robots
SwitchBot Shares Its Ability to Complete Various Tasks at CES 2025
Real-Time Performance-Tracking Eyewear Designs
CYBERSIGHT Revolutionizes Smart Eyewear for Sports
Sci-Fi Mecha Design Headphones
These Conceptual Gundam Headphones by Kostas Dakanalis are Flexible
Productivity-Focused Smart Glasses
The ASUS AirVision M1 Has Dual 1080p Micro OLED Displays
Ultra-Lightweight AI-Powered AR Glasses
MLVision Debuted Its MLVision M5 at CES 2025
Mecha Sci-Fi Smartphone Accessories
The CASETiFY Gundam Collection Celebrates the Popular Genre
Sports-Focused Vision Enhancement Systems
Crystal Palace FC Joins GiveVision & Shared Access
GenAI Eyewear Shows
Innovative Eyewear Launched the First Generative AI Fashion Show for Eyewear
Multifunctional Power Bank Concepts
Abeer Mahadane Designs the Audio1 Concept Inspired by Braun
Attachable Eyewear Cameras
The VISOO Spatial Video Camera by Suosi Design is Immersive
Smartphone-Powered Computing Systems
The Microsoft Surface Duo Workshop Concept is Mobile-Friendly
AI-Driven Robotics Technology
RoboSense is Breaking Ground in the Robotics Sector
Wearable Assistive Technologies
The XanderGlasses Connect Offer Real-Time Captioning
Next-Gen Humanoid Robots
The Tesla Optimus Gen 2 Robot Can Delicately Manipulate Objects
Beverage Service Robots
Richtech Robotics 'Scorpion' Can Provide Beverage Reccommendations
Fashion-Forward Gadgets
This Open-Ear Earbud Concept Serves as a Functional Accessory
Invisible Display AI Glasses
Gyges Labs Launched the World's First AI Glasses with DigiWindow
Terrain-Combating Electric Bikes
Segway Introduces the Xyber with Intelligent Systems
AI-Fueled Smartwatch Concepts
Rabbit Joins Teenage Engineering on the R1 Smartwatch Design
Emergency Shelter Robot Companions
The 'POWER HUG' Robot Concept Offers Warmth and Comfort
Anthropomorphized Headphone Concepts
The DMOOSTER D76 Mini TV Wireless Earbuds Concept is Playful
Mixed-Reality Makeup Studios
Kosé Corporation Debuted a Beauty-Tech Innovation at CES 2025
Social-Centric Wireless Earbud Concepts
Kusi Boateng-Arthur Introduces the Social Earbud Concept
Urban Mobility Chairs
Honda Robotics is Testing a Powered Chair Paired with VR Headset Devices
Humanoid Robot Technologies
Ti5ROBOT is Introducing Two Advanced Humanoid Models
Upright Wheelchair Designs
The CHRONUS Robotics 'Kim-e' Wheelchair Elevates the Rider to Eye Level
Retro-Futuristic Sports Cars
The DeLorean Cyberpunk Concept by Loïc Chauvin is 80s-Inspired
In-Clinic Brain-Computer Interface Technology
Neurable & Healthspan Digital Join Forces
Autofocus-Providing Eyewear
This High-Tech Eyewear Boosts Focus On Objects In Your Central View
All-Terrain AI Exoskeletons
The Hypershell GoX and ProX Will Be Unveiled at CES 2024
Wearable Gait Rehabilitation Systems
Magnes Works on the The E!1470 NUSHU R Project
AI-Enabled Smart Glasses Demonstrations
Vuzix® Will Lead Interactive Demonstrations at CES 2024
Steampunk Multifunctional Computer Mouse
Tride Design Creates the Sleek D Mouse Device
Self-Dock Aquatic Robot Technology
Beatbot Introduces the RoboTurtle During CES 2025
AI-Powered Cultivated Meat Fermenters
The Cultivated B is Introducing New Biosensor Technology
Detachable Gaming Console Laptops
The Wistron Dual Fusion Imagines a System for Work and Play
Biotech-Informed Surfboard Designs
The BATTBOARD Electric Surfboard is Ready for the Water
Smartphone-to-Camera Transformed Attachments
Belkin Presents the Stage PowerGrip During CES 2025
AI Assistant Smart Glasses
TECNO AI Glasses are Powered by TECNO AI
Eco-Friendly AI Cameras
Logitech Launches an AI-Powered Sustainable Camera for Meetings
LiDAR-Powered Visual Impairment Headsets
.lumen Glasses Guide Wearers with Haptic Feedback
High-Performance Motorcycle-Like eBikes
The 'Xyber' from Segway is a Fast, High-Torque eBike
Ultra-Efficient Vision Care Solutions
Eyebot Uses AI-Powered Technology to Expediate Eye Exams
Open-Source AI Eyewear
The Frame Glasses by Brilliant Labs Boast a MicroLED Display
Proactive AI Glasses Assistants
Halliday Previews New Glasses with a Screen and AI Assistant
Biological Material Game Controllers
A Team of Designers Dream up the BioHybrid Device Controller
AI-Powered Music Systems
The 'SPIN' AI Music Synthesizer by Arvind Sanjeev is Customizable
Sustainable Tech-Driven Futuristic Chairs
Siqi Yang's Spidique Chair Blends Various Talents
AI-Paired Wound Patches
MedicosBiotech Won a CES 2025 Innovation Award in Digital Health
Virtual Reality Bendable Controllers
Minkyu Oh Designs the Cogito Concept with AR Technology
AI-Powered Forensic Tools
University of Oxford Researchers Tackle Traumatic Brain Injuries
Contemporary Smartphone Exhibitions
Ester Bruzkus Architekten Designs 'The World in My Hand'
Anthropomorphized Gaming Systems
The 'Playdate' Handheld Gaming Device Has a Charming Function
Spatial Computing-Powered Training Tools
Endo's Injection Simulator Targets Medical Professionals
Visual Impairment Support Headsets
The Conceptual 'Vision' Bone Conduction Headset is Assistive
AI-Powered Steering Systems
Arrow Electronics & NVIDIA Have Produced a Groundbreaking Design
Sci-Fi-Inspired Dynamic Lamps
Michael Jantzen Designs the Space-Time Transformation Lamp
Full-Body Motion-Tracking Game Systems
Rebuff Reality 'BodyLink' Offers a Modernized Experience
Modular Game Console Controllers
Microsoft's Proteus Controller is Inclusive and Highly Customized
Smartphone-Powered Camera Processor Systems
The Ninja Phone Makes Use of Smartphone Power
Sun-Mimicking Computer Peripherals
The SunLED SunBooster Has a Webcam-Like Design
Dynamic Task Support Robots
Muks Robotics 'Spaceo' Achieves Human-Like Precision
Dedicated Spatial Computing Laptops
The Spacetop G1 Creates a 100-Inch Virtual Workspace
Transparent Cyberpunk MP3 Players
'The DEVICE' by Alex Casabò Has an Ultra-Industrial Design
Service Robot Chair Concept
Yunsoo Choi Designs an Interactive Chair Robot Concept
Mixed-Reality Shopping Apps
StockX Launched an Immersive Way to Shop with the Apple Vision Pro
VR Physiotherapy Tools
A Team of UniSA Researchers Created Superhero Therapy for Pain Management
Multifunctional Portable PC Systems
Sun-il Kim Designs the Cylin Concept with a Cylinder Shape
AI-Powered Walking Aids
A Team of Designers Created the Rehabilitating Legit Walking Aid
VR Electric Mobility Wheelchairs
Honda Presents the Extended Reality UNI-ONE Wheelchair
AI-Powered Fully Electric Motorcycles
The Verge Motorcycles TS Ultra was Presented at CES
Advanced AI Video Generators
Google Introduces Veo to Develop Videos with Text Prompts
Athletic Health-Focused Gadget Lines
Therabody Debuts Offerings Ahead of the 2024 Holiday Season
AI-Backed Digital Twins
Twin Health Has Created Digital Twins as an AI Experiment
Spatial Video Exercise Bicycles
LAYER Design & Saga Holographic Create the Dynamic HoloBike
Biomimicry Bird-Like Drones
The Bionic Bird X-Fly Drone Soars, Dives and Flutters Through the Air
Hearing Aid Wearable Glasses
The Bruckhoff Spectacle Aids are a Non-Intrusive Hearing Enhancer
Spatial Content Creation Systems
Sony Corporation Boasts an Xr Head-mounted Display & Controllers
Ultra-Flexible Bipedal Robots
The Unitree H1 Has Joints Throughout for Maximum Flexibility
Emotive AI Systems
The Three-Piece PiA Suite Reimagines Interactions with Smart Systems
State-Of-The-Art Exoskeleton Technology
The Hypershell X Series Debuts at CES 2025
AI Photography Robots
GENCY PB Automates Over 90% of the Commercial Photography Process
AI-Powered Chess Robots
SenseRobot Debuts at CES 2025 as a Chess Companion and Coach
Intergalactic-Inspired Lifestyle Products
The Spacio Collection is Made up of Everyday Objects
Future-Facing Charging Concepts
These Wireless Charger Concepts Imagine a True Wire-Free Future
AI-Powered Robot Arms
University of Edinburgh Researchers Enhance the Kinova Gen3 Robotic Arm
Robotic Hand Assistance Solutions
The Bioservo 'Carbonhand' Provides Additional Grip Power
Cutting-Edge Medical Exoskeletons
Human in Motion Robotics Showcases Its Award-Winning XoMotion™
Forward-Thinking Tech Products
FOSSiBOT Debuts Its Energy Storage & Rugged Smartphone Technology
Meeting-Enhanced 3D Holograms
The Holobox by HoloConnects Creates a 3D Scaled Visual
Immersive Virtual Television Experiences
Television for Apple Vision Shapes the Future of TV
Sustainable Bamboo-Crafted Drones
Deepak Dadheech Designs the Eco-Friendly Bamboo Drone
Evolving Robot Dog Companions
The Petoi Bittle x is an Interactive Small Robot Pet
AI-Powered Wheeled Robots
LG Previews a Smart Robot on Wheels for Home Monitoring Purposes
Custom Virtual Reality Accessories
Apple's Vision Pro Gets a New Developer Strap
AI-Powered 3D-Converting Tablets
ZTE's Latest Tablet Uses AI to Convert Any 2D Content into 3D
AI-Powered Teddy Bear Concepts
Onurhan Demir Develops the TED-I Concept Using AI
Advanced Motion Tracking Technology
Sensoryx Develops Cutting-Edge Tracking Systems
Robot-Specific 3D Vision Technology
Orbbec Unveils the Gemini 2 XL in a Bid to Offer Affordability
Jellyfish-Inspired Interactive Robots
Adonis Christodoulou Designs the Jellyfish Robot
Digital Professional VR Headsets
This Office VR Headset Concept by Simon Ljungblahd is Intuitive
5G-Enabled e-Bikes
Orbic's 5G e-Bike Integrates 5G Connectivity and AI Tech
Tennis Computer Vision Systems
Tennis Blackbox Transforms iPhones Into Hawkeye Systems
Advanced Education-Focused Laptops
zSpace Unevils Next-Generation Inspire 2 Laptop Series
Multidisciplinary Interactive Robots
Igor Jankovic Creates the Sipro Intelligent Social Robot
Spatial Storytelling Films
The Apple Immersive Submerged Trailer Teases Next-Gen Video Tech
Breakthrough Surgical Technology
Genesis Medtech Presents the iReach Omnia Powered Stapler
Portable MRI Systems
Zynext Ventures and neuro42 Bid on Revolutionizing the Healthcare Industry
Injection-Focused Spatial Computing Simulators
Endo Improves Peyronie's Disease Treatment Training
AI Smart Sports Glasses
Simon Lin Designs the New AI Sports Glasses for BleeqUp
Hubless Electric Motorcycles
Verge Motorcycles Brought Its Updated Verge TS Ultra to CES 2024
3D Streaming Camera Models
The Acer SpatialLabs Stereo Eyes Connects Right to Zoom and YouTube
Flying Umbrella Prototypes
This Hands-Free Device Hovers Above You to Protect From the Rain
Blood Clot-Relieving Millirobots
These Experimental Robots are Designed to Navigate Blood Vessels
AI-Powered Hearing Tools
Sonova's Sphere Infinio Uses Artificial Intelligence for its Hearing Aid
Compact Mycelium Biohybrid Robots
A Team of Researchers Create a Mushroom Robot Design
Bio-Inspired Guard Dog Robots
Xiaomi Introduces the Robotic Cyberdog 2 with a Friendly Look
Advanced AI Assistance Eyewear
The Looktech AI Glasses Learn From the Wearer with Use
Intelligent Cycling Systems
Vanpowers Debuted Its Advanced Smart System for Bikes at CES 2025
Enhanced Thumb Prosthetics
Dani Clode and Her Team Create the Third Thumb Device
Advanced Knee Joint Exoskeletons
Industrial Technology Research Institute Improves Rehabilitation
Enhanced Surgery Solutions
SpineCraft Works with Spartan Medical Inc. on Spinal Surgery Implants
Neural Network Robotic Lawnmowers
The WORX Landroid VISION L1600 Has a Full HD Camera
Socially Adept Gaming Robots
This Robot Offers Companionship & Conversation to Lonely Gamers
community-facing exoskeleton presentations
Kids Physio Group Hamilton partners with Trexo Robotics
Robotic AI Surgeons
Woxsen University Launches a New Tool to Help with Surgeries
Semi-Outdoor Foldable Wheelchairs
Robooter Brought Mobility Innovations Like X40 to CES 2024
Advanced Liver Cancer Treatments
The Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute Launches New Treatmennt
Tech-Enhanced Hybris Political Models
Pedro Markun Delievrs a New Approach to Brazilian Politics
Classes-Free AI-Powered Tablets
The Pad 3D II by Nubia is Showcased at MWC This Year
Debunking AI Apps
BSBot Helps Publicis Clients Tell the Truth About AI from Fiction at Cannes
Holographic Video Game Characters
Proto Uses ProtoHologram to Create a Digital Mario
Multifunctional Fidget Earbud Cases
Eric Cheng Designs the EDC 1.0 Lucky Push Concept
Inclusive Prosthetic Access
Ottobock Advances Prosthetic Access Through Medicare Coverage
Battery-Powered Spa Cleaners
Spabot is a New Convenient Spa-Cleaning Robot System