Introduction: The loss of a limb represents a significant burden for both the individual and society, as it greatly affects quality of life and incurs substantial costs. In an era of rapid technological advancement, the boundaries between natural human abilities and those enabled by modern technologies are becoming increasingly blurred. Bionic prostheses are among the most notable technological achievements in this field. These advanced devices integrate robotics, neuroscience and artificial intelligence to restore lost bodily functions in a more natural and efficient manner. Purpose: The aim is to test three hypotheses by exploring the development of bionic prostheses and their impact on human capabilities and quality of life. Methods: A descriptive method involving a review of professional and scientific literature in both Slovenian and English was employed. Sources were searched in bibliographic databases PubMed, ResearchGate, Google Scholar and the Repository of the University of Ljubljana. Keywords and search strings were applied in both Slovenian and English. Results: The analysis of modern bionic prostheses for upper and lower limbs has shown that the integration of advanced surgical techniques (TMR, osseointegration), EMG control, and machine learning algorithms significantly improves functionality, precision, and user experience. The use of implanted sensors and advanced decoders enables more intuitive control and execution of complex movements. Despite the progress, areas such as sensory feedback, energy efficiency, and ergonomics still require further development. It was also found that simplified control and improved biomechanical integration, including better coordination of the upper and lower limbs, increase reliability in various real-life environments. Discussion and conclusion: The development of bionic prostheses is one of the fastest-growing areas of medical technology. Modern bionic prostheses are used as replacements for lost limbs, gradually becoming integrated parts of the body and allowing users to restore and in some cases even surpass the natural functioning of the body. Despite technological progress, significant challenges remain, primarily related to accessibility, cost, user experience and ethical social issues that accompany the introduction of new technologies. Continuous evaluation of the impact of these technologies on our perception of human limits and the role of technology in human life ensures that bionics becomes an effective tool for achieving a full, active and dignified life, also for people with amputees.
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