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
86
19 Amputation Innovations
From Amputee Models to Self-Amputations
85
49 Incredible Implants & Transplants
From a Full Face Transplant to Bionic Eyes
84
Bionic Contact Lenses
Real Holographic Displays for the Eye
83
85 Rad Robots
From Freestyling Bots to Motorcycle Riding Robots
82
Athletic Designer Prosthetics
The Adidas Symbiosis Provides More Organic Movement
81
Tasseled Sunglasses
Beyonce's Tinsel Shades
80
Alienesque Prosthetic Arms
Kaylene Kau Designs a Unique Limb for Handicapped Individuals
79
Bionic Eye Restores Sight to the Blind
78
From Amputee To Mermaid
A Tale Of A Tail
77
Futuristic Body Mods
Sci-Fi Suspension Play & Transplanted Body Parts
76
Eco Movie Cyborgs
Anchalee Saengtai Creates Incredible Life-Size Replicas of Autobots
75
14 Features Showing People as Robots
Cyborg Culture Goes From Sci-Fi to the Mainstream
74
Intelligent Off-Road Autos
Mercedes Benz Cyborg Sensation Vehicle is a Bit of a Mind-Reader
73
Steampunk Mask Fittings
The Techno Masks by Richard Symons are Freakishly Well-Made
72
Incredible CGI Cyborgs
“Terminator Salvation” Design Art Released
71
Robotic Exoskeleton to Aid the Elderly or Workers
70
Cyborg Translators
NEC Tele Scouter Computer Turns Text into a Retinal Display (UPDATE)
69
Cyborg Accessories for Men
Metal Couture by Manuel Albarran
68
Cyberpunk Humans
‘Iron Man' Photography Showcases Tyler Riggs
67
Stylish Artificial Limbs
Outfeet by Aviya Serfaty is a Fashionable Prosthetic Leg
66
Wearable Transportation
‘The Chariot' Makes You Look Like a Cyborg
65
26 Cyborg & Prosthetic Innovations
Tech-Savvy Enhancements to Mother Nature
64
Enhancing Arm Prosthetics
The 'METIS Bionic Prosthesis' Offers a 360-Degree Range of Motion
63
High-Tech Prosthetics
Colin Matso's Design for Nike Enables the Disabled
62
Prosthetic Arms for Wounded Soldiers
Dean Kamen's Luke Arm Demo
61
Mesmerizing Matrix Muses
Diamante Murru Depicts Technologically-Enhanced Woman
60
16 Innovations for & from the Disabled
From Street Performers to High-Tech Prosthetics
59
Cyborg Chic
Dazed Digital Shows Outrageous Plastic Masks For ‘Man Machine' Edition
58
Prosthetic Arm Fashion
Huseklepp 'Immaculate' Design Makes Prosthetics Functionally Hip
57
DARPA-Inspired Cyborg Bugs
Dean Christ's Controversial Collection Casts Eye On Warfare
56
Biotechnological Breakthroughs
Popular Mechanics Lists 20 Incredible Biotech Discoveries of 2008
55
Prosthetic Paws
Oscar the Bionic Cat is the First Feline to Get Two False Legs
54
Android-Inspired Tights
The Darkhorse ‘Maria' Robot Leggings are for Aspiring Cyborgs
53
Bilateral Amputee Makes Controvercial Bid for Able-Bodied 2008 Olympics
52
High-Tech X-Finger Replaces Lost Digits
51
Bionic Hand Transplants
The Otto Bock 'MichelAngelo'
50
Cyborg Photography
Is The EyeCamera 4.1 With Wink and Shoot A Hoax?
49
3D-Printed Limbs
The Ecko Unltd Prosthetic Leg is Perfectly Functional
48
Prosthetic Phalanges
The Touch Bionic 'ProDigits' Offer Advanced Dexterity for the Disabled
47
Bionic Eye
Retina Replacement Prototype
46
Cyborg Mice
Mad Catz Introduces the Cyborg R.A.T. Mouse
45
Robot Guard
Samsung's Sentry Robot Kicks Ass
44
27 Prosthetic Innovations
From Replacement Limbs to Prosthetic Lungs
43
Prosthetics for the Poor
JaipurKnee Project's $20 Artificial Knees to Developing World
42
Bionic Touch Sensations
Oak Ridge National Laboratory Replicates Touch With Carbon Nanotubes
41
Cyborg Contact Lenses
Control Your Mouse with Your Eye Movements
40
Bionic Animal Innovation
Hi-Tech Surgery Provides Prosthetic Paw to Footless Pooch
39
37 Prosthetic Inspirations
From USB Replacement Fingers to Energy-Recycling Prosthetics
38
21 Terminator-Inspired Innovations
From Animated Movie Posters to Robotic Limb Auctions
37
Prosthetic Lungs
Respiratory Aids to Wear Around Your Waist
36
Cyborg Prosthetics for Humans
The Eye-Mounted Webcam
35
Amputee Fins
The Neptune Swimming Aid Will Make a Dolphin Out of You
34
Cyborg Athletes for Cell Phones
Beckham Goes 'Terminator' for the Motorola AURA
33
Cyborg Firefighter Armor
'PyroPack' Makes Firemen Look Like "RoboCop"
32
Lightning Cyborg Structures
The UPI-2M Biooctanic Building Betters Urban Cities
31
Bespoke Prosthetic Limbs
Scott Summit Offers Customized Options for Artificial Legs
30
Robotic Legs For Amputees
Iraqi Vet Goes Bionic Thanks to MIT
29
Energy-Recycling Prosthetics
Artificial Foot Makes Walking Easier for Amputees
28
Mechanical Cyborg Arms
Revolutionary Equipois Exoskelton Limb Makes Gun Shows Obsolete
27
Creepy Crawly Robots
The Kanibot Cyborg Vehicle Will Give You Technopohobia
26
Cellular Cyborgs
Motorola V600 Decepticon Transforms Mobile Phones Forever
25
Real-Life Bionic Eyes
Solar Powered Contact Lenses
24
Cyborg Clocks
The Tick Mark Wristwatch Tells Time With Red Light Indications
23
Pinching Prosthetics
Stephen Stum Simplifies the Prosthetic Arm for More Practical Uses
22
Eye-Mounted Videocameras
One-Eyed Filmmaker Robert Spence Starts 'Eyeborg Project'
21
Revolutionary Bionic Hands
Touch Bionics Unveil 'i-LIMB Pulse' Bluetooth-Accesorized Prosthesis
20
Cyborg Sea Creatures
The SHOAL Robotic Fish Helps Detect Pollution in Oceans
19
Bionic Legs
In the Future, the Rex Could Replace the Wheelchair
18
Camera Implants For Insects
Cyborg Spy Flies
17
Bio-Charging
Self-Healing Artificial Muscle Charges an iPhone
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
AI-Powered Tabletop Robots
Sseo Kimm Designs the Tailor Robot Powered by AI Technology
Limited Gaming Eyewear
Viture × Cyberpunk 2077 XR Glasses Appear as a Limited Anniversary Release
Cinema-Scale AR Smart Glasses
The Xynavo Lightweight AR Glasses Offer a 70-Degree Field of View
AI-Powered Lipstick Application Systems
Grupo Boticário Partners with CESAR Innovation Hub
Smartphone-Enhanced Controller Designs
Sony Files a DualSense Phone Attachment Patent
Wheel-Free Assisted Mobility Chairs
The Toyota Walk Me Wheelchair Concept Climbs Stairs and More
Real-Time Performance-Tracking Eyewear Designs
CYBERSIGHT Revolutionizes Smart Eyewear for Sports
Personal Computer-Based VR Headsets
Pimax Debuts Three New Models at CES 2026
Camera-Equipped Earbuds
TWS Earbuds with Built-In Cameras Introduce a Wearable Ai Vision Concept
Sports-Focused Vision Enhancement Systems
Crystal Palace FC Joins GiveVision & Shared Access
Experimental Phone Concepts
Modular Magnetic Interconnection Technology Roots Tecno’s MWC Concepts
Wearable Assistive Smart Eyewear
Lighthouse Tech's TAMI® Innovation Assists People with Low Vision
Smartphone-Powered Computing Systems
The Microsoft Surface Duo Workshop Concept is Mobile-Friendly
Adorable Cyber-Pet Robots
Ollobot, an Emotionally Supportive Social Robot, Will Debut at CES 2026
Blade-Free First Responder Drones
The Conceptual 'VITA' EMS Drone by Hongyi Sun is Advanced
Wearable Assistive Technologies
The XanderGlasses Connect Offer Real-Time Captioning
Ai Desk Companion Robots
Lenovo Ai Workmate Concept is a Moving Robotic Arm with Expression
Humanoid Chore Robots
The MindOn Unitree G1 Performs Tasks Without Teleoperation
Smart Bionic Hands
Kawatek Introduces Next-Gen Smart Bionic Hands With AI-Assisted Precision
Hair Growth-Focused Devices
Appotronics Debuts a New Line of Personal Wellness Devices at CES
Humanoid Robot Technologies
Ti5ROBOT is Introducing Two Advanced Humanoid Models
AI-Generated Journalist Avatars
Synthesia Creates Helen Drew Avatar For BBC London
Night Vision Camera Smartphones
The FOSSIBOT F113 Has an Infrared Camera Lens
Bionic Dual-Vision Pool Cleaners
The iGarden M1 Pro Max Makes Smart, Autonomous Decisions
Robot-Focused Supply Agreements
Oversonic Robotics Partners with STMicroelectronics
AI-Powered AR Translation Glasses
LLVision Will Debut Leion Hey2 at CES 2026
Factory-Ready Humanoid Robots
The Boston Dynamics Atlas is Optimized for Industry at CES 2026
AI-Powered Portable Skincare Devices
inewme Boasts the High-Tech NanoHydra Pro
Human-Centered AI Wearables
Even Realities Debuted New Smart Glasses and a Smart Ring
Predictive Portable Exoskeleton Wearables
The VIGX π6 Has an AI Terrain Camera to Adapt Instantly
AI-Powered Cultivated Meat Fermenters
The Cultivated B is Introducing New Biosensor Technology
Sophisticated Humanoid Robotic Systems
Infineon Technologies and NVIDIA Have Partnered
Detachable Gaming Console Laptops
The Wistron Dual Fusion Imagines a System for Work and Play
AI Voice Detection Chips
POLYN Technology's Innovation is Ultra-Low-Power
AI Assistant Smart Glasses
TECNO AI Glasses are Powered by TECNO AI
Durable Outdoor Photography Smartphones
The FOSSiBOT F107 Pro is Built to MIL-STD-810H Specs
Transforming Robotic Speakers
The Robosen Soundwave Transforms from a Toy to a Speaker
Brain Activity-Focused Research Partnerships
MeSpace & Neurable Embbark on an Investigative Study
Ai Smartglasses Concepts
Lenovo AI Glasses Concept Has Hands Free Wearable Interface at CES 2026
Featherlight Smart Glasses
Brilliant Labs Halo Glasses Have Bone Conduction Technology and More
Dual-Vector Consumer Exoskeletons
Sumbu Debuted the Exo-S3 Line at CES 2026
Adaptive Eyewear Systems
Chamelo's bi-O Lens Was Built for Biohackers
Technologically Enhanced Electronic Handbags
Nik Bentel Studio Debuts the Speaker Bag & Mixer Bag
Humanoid Robot Games
The Great Robot Olympics Reveals Both Promise and Prose in Ai Evolution
Mixed Reality Headset Prototypes
Play for Dream Technology Presents Its Play for Dream MR Headset
Camera-Integrated Wireless Earbuds
Vuebuds Let Users Ask About Their Surroundings in Real Time
Rad Retro-Style Smartwatches
The Conceptual Retro‑Future Wrist Tech by Jacek Janiczak is Stylish
Adaptable Tech Hardware
The H-One Pro is a Modular Phone Concept with Personalization
Urban Robot Traffic Safety
POLIS Concept Reimagines Urban Traffic Safety in Robot Powered Cities
AI Injury Prevention Platforms
Smartan Has Introduced a Novel Software Platform at CES 2026
Camera-Free Smart Eyewear
Reebok Optical Smart Glasses Remove Cameras While Adding Audio and AI
Industrial Translucent Gaming Controllers
This Sony Game Controller Concept is Futuristic
Wearable Brain-Computer Interfaces
Sabi develops a beanie that converts thoughts into text
Expanded AR Field-Of-View Smartglasses
Lumus FOV Achieves a Wider Field of View at CES 2026
Robotic Brace Walking Shoes
Nike Project Amplify Boosts Walking Speed with a Robotic Brace
Modular Legged Robots
PNAS Researchers Unveiled Reconfigurable Modular Legs
Humanoid Robot Chefs
Robbyant R1 Cooked Four Dishes for Shanghai Bund Conference Attendees
Human-Level Performance Robotics
Humanoid robot surpasses human marathon speeds in real-world race
AI-Powered Tutoring Glasses
MentorLens Provides Educational Assistance by Seeing and Listening
Wireless Power Infrastructure
Powercast Highlights That Wireless Power is Essential for the Future
AI-Packed Smart Glasses
The RayNeo X3 Pro AR Glasses Offer Immersive Viewing Experiences
Portable Brain Scanners
The MWI Brain Scanner Combines Microwave Imaging & AI-Driven Analysis
Spatial Computing-Powered Training Tools
Endo's Injection Simulator Targets Medical Professionals
AI-Powered Bio Intelligence Rings
The Ultrahuman Ring Pro Offers 15 Days of Battery Life
AI-Powered Forensic Tools
University of Oxford Researchers Tackle Traumatic Brain Injuries
Humanoid Robot Innovations
EngineAI Presents Its Innovations at the World Robot Conference 2025
Award-Winning Smart Locks
Lockin Technology Has Introduced the V7 Max Smart Lock
Sun-Mimicking Computer Peripherals
The SunLED SunBooster Has a Webcam-Like Design
Dynamic Task Support Robots
Muks Robotics 'Spaceo' Achieves Human-Like Precision
AI-Powered Walking Aids
A Team of Designers Created the Rehabilitating Legit Walking Aid
Futuristic AI Cameras
The AI Camera Concept Adds Innovation in Photography by Removing Lens
Innovative Rehabilitation Sensor Systems
The Welgain Rehabilitation Sensor System is Promising
Ankle-Support Wearable Mobility Devices
Dephy Has Introduced the Sidekick at CES 202
Motion-Tracking Ring Designs
Sensoryx's Suite of Technological Tools are Cutting-Edge
Tech-Enhanced Medical Solutions
Bruin Biometrics Introduced Several Technological Enhancements
Wearable Tech Interfaces
The Meta Smart Wristband Introduces Gesture-Based Control
Golden Humanoid Prototypes
Optimus 2.5 by Tesla Uses Grok AI in a Golden Humanoid Prototype
AI-Powered Personal Health Insights
Spike Technologies Debuts a Software Tool — Spike MCP Server
Disruptive Headphone Technologies
Linkage Global Collaborates on Two Headphone Models
Focus-Enhancing Gaming Devices
The 'BrainBlink' from MorphoProjects Adapts to User Play
Ophthalmic Technology Innovations
ZEISS is Debuting New Products and Reaching New Milestones
Multi-Tasking Garden Robots
NexLawn Master X Vison Adds Tool-Swapping Robotic Arm
Implantable BCI Systems
Borui Kang Medical Technology Introduced an Implantable BCI System
AI-Powered Sports Training Systems
The Wonder Fitter Smart Shooting System is Immersive
AI-Powered Aesthetic Systems
MediSpa AI Pro 3.0 Connects Skincare with Daily Health Data
Wearable Private Media Hubs
Perisphere Integrates High-Fidelity Audio, a Swing-Down Display & More
Comfort-Driven Spatial Computing Headsets
The Apple Vision Pro with M5 Has the New Dual Knit Band
Robotic AI Surgeons
Woxsen University Launches a New Tool to Help with Surgeries
Comprehensive Camera-Focused Creative Ecosystem
SmallRig Presented Three Products at the NAB Show
Comprehensive XR Lineups
Goertek Spotlights Its Extended Reality Range at CES 2026
Sports-Focused Smart Classes
Innovative Eyewear Debuts the Reebok Powered by Lucyd Smart Eyewear
Intelligent Canine Exoskeletons
The Pet Power Assistive Exoskeleton Supports Injured Pets
Modular In-Space Assembly Projects
Spacedock is Collborating with Space Robotics Workers
AI Photography Robots
GENCY PB Automates Over 90% of the Commercial Photography Process
Dexterous Robotics Hands
SharpaWave Has 22 Active Degrees of Freedom at the Scale of a Human Hand
Camera-Readable Smart Lenses
XPANCEO Develops Contact Lenses That Track Eye Movement Without Power
Assistive Voice Systems
Your Voice Translates Silent Speech Through Wearable and Robotic Output
Innovative Robotic Systems
ENGINEAI Robotics Technology Debuts the T800 and the PM01
AI-Powered Robot Arms
University of Edinburgh Researchers Enhance the Kinova Gen3 Robotic Arm
AI-Powered Exoskeleton Devices
Vastnaut Has Opened Pre-Orders for the Vastnaut One
Multi-Channel Wristband Prototypes
Neuranics Announces Breakthroughs in Its Technology
AI Smart Sports Glasses
Simon Lin Designs the New AI Sports Glasses for BleeqUp
AI-Powered Therapy Pods
The AI Multi-Therapy Rejuvenation Pod Integrates 10 Therapies
Arm Rehabilitation Robots
The Hong Kong PolyU's Robot is a CES 2026 Innovation Awards Honoree
Next-Gen Embodied Intelligence Technologies
INFIFORCE Has Presented Its Foundational Ai Framework
Accessibility-Focused Wireless Technologies
The Bluetooth Special Interest Group Emphasizes Access
Future Tech Blogs
Next Horizon Covers AI, Space, Biotechnology And Emerging Technologies
AI-Powered AR Eyewear
Snap and Qualcomm Develop Intelligent Glasses with On-Device AI
Rehabilitative Robotic Suits
H-Medi Pro is the World’s First Garment-Type Wearable Robotic Suit
Wireless Charging Innovations
Etherdyne Technologies Reaches a New Paradigm in Wireless Power
High-Capacity Portable Power Stations
FOSSiBOT Debuts the F7200 Model in the United States
Tech-Enabled Smart Glasses
Snapchat Announces the Upcoming Arrival of its New 'Specs' Glasses
Gamified Rehabilitation Systems
Bioliberty Has Introduced the Innovative Lifehub Clinic
Adaptive Swim Prosthetics
The Nimble Lets Below-Knee Amputees Swim with Greater Efficiency
Sports-Specific AI Coach Systems
Mibro Relies on Technology for Performance Advancement
Next-Generation Skin Firming Protocols
360 Plastic Surgery Helps You Tone and Firm in New Ways
Sculptural Home Projectors
BeoLens Horizon Concept by Baptiste Baumeister Reframes Projectors
Connected Vision Tennis Robots
The Aceii One Enables Human-Like Tennis Training
Smart City Infrastructure Tech
Lumos Infinitas Debuts Silicon-Photonics-Enabled Sensing Products
Upper-Limb Wearable Robots
Sleev Assists Everyday Arm Movement Using Controller-Based Sensors
Autonomous Robotic Guides
Bedivere Perceives Environments in Real-Time with On-Device AI
Voice-Led Fabrication Robots
MIT Debuts System Turning Spoken Object Requests Into Reality
Lightweight Robotic Hand Designs
BrainCo Balances Physical Characteristics with Capabilities
Advanced AI-Supported PC Designs
ASUS Will Spotlight Its Innovation at the Always Incredible Event
community-facing exoskeleton presentations
Kids Physio Group Hamilton partners with Trexo Robotics
Integrated Exoskeleton Technology Systems
RoboCT Presents an Ecosystem for Exoskeleton Technology
AI-Driven Diabetes Systems
DiabetesPro Uses Artificial Intelligence to Predict Blood Sugar Drops
Industry-Advancing AI-Powered Innovation Tools
3M is Presenting a Suite of Tech Advancements
Compact Mycelium Biohybrid Robots
A Team of Researchers Create a Mushroom Robot Design
AI-Powered AR Smart Glasses
Snap Specs AR Glasses Add Spatial AI And Gaming
Scalable Brain-Computer Interfaces
Neurosoft Bioelectronics' Innovation is Ultra-Sofft
Reversible Robotic Hands
EPFL Debuts Hand with Two Opposable Thumbs and Detachable Fingers
Patient-Specific Megaprosthesis Implants
Vinmec Unveiled Custom 3D-Printed Elbow Megaprosthesis
Comprehensive Tactile Sensing Infrastructure
Ensuring Technology Debuts Two Hardware Innovations
Assistive Brain-Sensing Headsets
The Think2Switch™ Delivers Tech-Enabled Accessibility
Upcycled AI Speaker Concepts
Xiaomi Mi 8 Retrofit Runs Gemini Ai Inside Retro TV Shell
Modular Robot Developments
The Tron 2 Modular Robot with Three Configurations
Foundational Embodied Robots
The TRON 2 Modular Humanoid Robot from LimX Dynamics is Advanced
Speech Rehabilitation Aid Chokers
The Revoice Voice Device Helps Stroke Survivors Communicate
Celebrated Athletic Prosthetics
The Ffate Prosthetic Leg Redefines the Limb by Honoring Bodies