How to Build a Bionic Man
What makes you uniquely you? Will you live to 100yrs old? Can you be rebuilt?
The Science Museum’s latest exhibition is investigating everyone’s favourite subject – themselves.
With the redevelopment of the museum’s permanent galleries to reflect the advances in the fields of neuroscience and genetics, the new exhibition aims to explore the science of who you are through a series of interactive exhibits and the latest science research.
Displayed under the title of “Can you be rebuilt?” one of the most awe-inspiring new works in attendance will be the real-life Bionic Man, Rex.
This state of the art robot was created to see how closely technology can emulate the human body and features nearly $1 million of the latest advances in prosthetic limbs and advanced body enhancements.
Housed within Rex is an InSmart Artificial Pancreas developed by De Montfort University (DMU) and designed by Renfrew Group, which responds to the body’s glucose levels to regulate insulin supply, as well as a functional heart-lung system, complete with artificial blood pumping arteries, a bionic spleen and retinal implants.
Renfrew Group Design were called upon for their ability to convert ideas into useable technology and worked closely with the DMU team on designs and prototypes to support the trials.
The bionic man was conceived as a literal response to the question: how close is bionic technology to catching up with – and even exceeding – the capabilities of the human body.
The fascinating result can be seen in How to Build a Bionic Man, to be broadcast on Channel 4 at 9.00 pm on Thursday 7 February 2013.
You can meet Rex in person at the Science Museum, London from 7th Feb 2013.