Become aCybernetic Prosthetic Engineer

If you love science, technology, and making a positive impact on people’s lives, becoming a Cybernetic Prosthetic Engineer could be the perfect career for you. This field offers a career path with plenty of opportunities for innovation and personal satisfaction.

In this role, you will have the opportunity to help people who have lost limbs regain their independence and improve their quality of life. Plus, the field of prosthetics is constantly evolving, offering you endless opportunities to learn, innovate, and advance your career.

• Improve lives with new and emerging technology.
• Design advanced prosthetics for enhanced mobility.
• Combine engineering and medical science for innovation.
• Join a growing field in medical tech.

As a Cybernetic Prosthetic Engineer, your main job is to design and create prosthetic limbs and devices that can be controlled by the user’s nervous system. 

This involves a lot of research, design, and testing to ensure that the prosthetics are functional, comfortable, and easy to use. 

You might work on developing new materials for prosthetics, designing more intuitive control systems, or creating custom solutions for individual patients. 

Your work will involve collaborating with medical professionals, conducting experiments, and using advanced technologies like 3D printing and computer simulations.

Cybernetic Prosthetic Engineers have the flexibility to work in various industries. Here are some of the main ones:

Healthcare

Working in hospitals and clinics to develop prosthetics for patients.

Research and Development

Innovating new prosthetic technologies and materials.

Manufacturing

Designing and producing prosthetic devices.

Rehabilitation

Collaborating with therapists to ensure prosthetics meet patients’ needs.

Academia

Teaching and conducting research at universities.

Government and Defence

Developing prosthetics for injured veterans and service members.

To become a successful Cybernetic Prosthetic Engineer, you need a combination of technical and personal skills. Here are some key skills:

Engineering

Designing and creating prosthetic devices.

Biology

Understanding the human body and how it interacts with prosthetics.

Problem-Solving

Finding innovative solutions to challenges.

Programming

Writing code for prosthetic control systems.

Communication

Working with patients and medical professionals.

If you’re interested in becoming a Cybernetic Prosthetic Engineer, certain subjects will be particularly helpful. These STEM subjects could provide the foundation you need to succeed in this field:

Mathematics

Essential for designing and analysing prosthetic systems.

Biology

Understanding the human body and how prosthetics interact with it.

Physics

Applying principles of mechanics and materials science to prosthetics.

Computer Science

Programming control systems and simulations.

Engineering

Learning the fundamentals of design and manufacturing.

Cybernetic Prosthetic Engineers get to do some truly amazing things! You might develop advanced prosthetic limbs that can be controlled by the user’s thoughts, create lightweight and durable materials that mimic natural body parts, or use 3D printing technology to produce custom prosthetics tailored to each patient. 

Design next-generation prosthetic limbs

Work on creating advanced prosthetics that mimic natural movements, combining engineering with human biology.

Test artificial limbs on robotic models

Use robotic technology to test the functionality and durability of newly developed prosthetic devices.

Collaborate with surgeons on custom prosthetics

Work alongside medical professionals to design prosthetics tailored for individual patients, ensuring optimal comfort and functionality.

Incorporate AI into prosthetic devices

Develop prosthetics that use artificial intelligence to learn and adapt to the user’s specific movements and needs over time.

Research the latest in biomedical tech

Explore emerging materials and technologies, such as biocompatible materials and neural interfaces, to improve the future of prosthetics.

Create virtual models for prosthetic simulations

Use computer modelling and virtual reality to test prosthetic designs before they are manufactured, ensuring a perfect fit and functionality for the patient.

There are several renowned Cybernetic Prosthetic Engineers, including some notable Australians who have made significant contributions to the field.

WOMEN

Dr. Catherine Mohr

A leading expert in robotic surgery and prosthetics, Dr. Mohr has contributed extensively to developing advanced prosthetic devices.

Dr. Marita Cheng

Known for her contributions to robotics, Marita has been involved in creating cybernetic devices that assist people with disabilities.

Dr. Nikki Stamp

A heart surgeon with an interest in advanced prosthetics, Dr. Stamp has worked on projects linking medical science with engineering to improve patient outcomes.

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Dr. Jordan Nguyen

An Australian biomedical engineer and inventor known for his work on smart wheelchairs and mind-controlled prosthetics. He has been a leading advocate for the integration of technology and healthcare to improve the lives of people with disabilities.

Dr. Dinesh Palipana 

An Australian doctor and disability advocate who, after becoming quadriplegic, has been involved in research and development of spinal cord injury treatments and advanced prosthetics.

Dr. Hugh Herr

While not Australian, a globally renowned prosthetics engineer who has worked closely with Australian researchers. He lost both his legs in a climbing accident and has since developed advanced bionic limbs, combining engineering with biology.

To excel as a Cybernetic Prosthetic Engineer, certain personality traits can be very helpful. These traits can help you navigate the challenges and opportunities in this field:

Innovative

Always looking for new ways to improve prosthetics.

Compassionate

Driven by a desire to help others.

Persistent

Determined to overcome challenges.

Detail-Oriented

Ensuring accuracy in your designs and implementations.

Collaborative

Working well with medical professionals and patients to achieve the best results.

Bachelor of Engineering (Mechanical/Biomedical Focus)

This degree combines mechanical engineering principles with biomedical applications, preparing you to design and develop prosthetic devices. Curtin University offers courses focusing on biomedical engineering, giving you the chance to specialise in prosthetics.

Bachelor of Science (Biomedical Engineering)

You can learn the fundamentals of biology, materials science, and robotics to develop advanced medical devices. The University of Western Australia (UWA) offers this degree, providing a strong foundation in biomedical technologies and human anatomy.

Bachelor of Mechatronics Engineering

This interdisciplinary degree combines electronics, mechanics, and computing, focusing on creating robotics and cybernetic systems. Edith Cowan University (ECU) has a degree where you can work on prosthetic engineering projects as part of your studies.

• Bachelor of Biomedical Engineering
• Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering
• Bachelor of Electrical Engineering
• Bachelor of Computer Science
• Bachelor of Materials Science
• Bachelor of Robotics Engineering

Combining degrees or focusing on interdisciplinary studies can significantly enhance your skills and knowledge as a Cybernetic Prosthetic Engineer. 

For instance, pairing a degree in Biomedical Engineering with Computer Science can equip you with the expertise to design sophisticated prosthetic control systems. This combination allows you to understand both the biological aspects of prosthetics and the computational methods needed to create them.

Another great option is to combine Mechanical Engineering with Materials Science. This blend helps you understand how to design prosthetic limbs that are both functional and durable. You’ll learn about the mechanical aspects of movement and the properties of different materials, ensuring that the prosthetics you design are both strong and lightweight.

You can also consider combining Electrical Engineering with Robotics Engineering. This interdisciplinary approach gives you the skills to develop advanced robotic prosthetics that can be controlled by the user’s nervous system. You’ll delve into electronics, signal processing, and robotics, creating prosthetics that push the boundaries of technology.

When you study to become a Cybernetic Prosthetic Engineer, you will learn a wide array of subjects that span engineering, biology, and technology. You may also take courses on biomechanics, which will teach you how to design prosthetics that mimic natural movement. Sometimes materials science to understand the properties of different materials and how they can be used to create durable and comfortable prosthetics.

Programming and computer science courses will be essential, as you’ll learn to develop and test software that controls prosthetic devices. Courses in electronics and signal processing will help you design the systems that allow prosthetics to interact with the human nervous system. Additionally, you’ll gain knowledge in anatomy and physiology to understand how prosthetics integrate with the body.

Through practical labs and projects, you’ll apply your knowledge to real-world problems, designing and testing your prosthetic prototypes. By the end of your studies, you’ll have the skills and knowledge needed to start innovating in the field of cybernetic prosthetics.

Work experience during your school years can be a way of exploring a career as a Cybernetic Prosthetic Engineer. 

Placements at hospitals, research labs, and engineering firms can provide you with hands-on experience. You may get to work on real projects, working with experts learning how to design and improve prosthetic devices.

Volunteering for research projects at your school or participating in science and engineering clubs can also be valuable. These experiences allow you to work on interesting challenges, collaborate with peers, and showcase your skills. They also help you build a network of contacts in the industry, which can be helpful when you start looking for a job.

Additionally, participating in competitions or hackathons focused on biomedical engineering can give you practical experience and highlight your creativity and problem-solving abilities. These activities not only enhance your skills but also make your resume stand out to future employers.

If a full university degree isn’t the right path for you, there are still ways to become a Cybernetic Prosthetic Engineer. 

Vocational Training and Certifications

For students interested in a more practical route, vocational training programs and certifications are also available. These pathways often include internships, hands-on workshops, and industry placements.

Diploma of Biomedical Technology

This diploma focuses on the technical aspects of biomedical devices, including prosthetics and their components. Students gain hands-on experience with medical devices and their applications.

Certificate IV in Allied Health Assistance (Prosthetics Specialisation)

This course provides foundational skills in assisting with prosthetic devices, making it ideal for those who want to support clinical work or move into further study in prosthetic engineering.

Graduate Certificate in Biomedical Engineering

This certificate is designed for professionals with an engineering background who want to specialise in biomedical applications. It provides advanced knowledge of medical device design and development.

Micro-Learning and Online Courses

Online platforms like Coursera and edX offer micro-learning opportunities, allowing students to gain specific knowledge in prosthetics and cybernetic systems.

Introduction to Cybernetic Prosthetics

This course covers the basics of prosthetics design and the integration of cybernetic systems with human biology.

Advanced Robotics for Prosthetics

Students explore how robotics and AI can be used in developing prosthetic devices, offering a focused approach to innovation in this field.

On-the-Job Experience and Training

Another pathway is to gain hands-on experience through apprenticeships or entry-level positions in the medical device or engineering industry. Some companies offer training programs where you can learn on the job while working on real projects. This path allows you to earn while you learn and can be a great way to build practical skills without completing a full university degree.

Western Australia

In Western Australia, Cybernetic Prosthetic Engineers can find opportunities in the healthcare and mining sectors. Perth, with its growing medical technology industry, offers positions in hospitals, research institutions, and biomedical companies. Additionally, the mining industry often requires innovative prosthetic solutions for workplace injuries.

Australia

Across Australia, cities like Sydney and Melbourne are major hubs for biomedical engineering. Australia is home to several leading prosthetics companies and research institutions driving innovation in the field. Companies like Limbs 4 Life specialise in creating high-quality prosthetic limbs, providing engineers with opportunities to design and improve these life-changing devices.

National Growth in Biomedical Engineering

Australia’s biomedical engineering sector is rapidly expanding, creating a demand for engineers specialising in prosthetics and robotic systems. Organisations like Bionics Institute are at the forefront of research and development, offering opportunities for engineers to contribute to new prosthetic projects.

Rest of the World

Globally, the need for advanced prosthetic technology is growing, especially in medical and rehabilitation centres. International companies such as Össur and Ottobock are known for developing cybernetic prosthetics that integrate AI and robotics, providing opportunities for engineers worldwide to push the boundaries of medical technology.