# High-Tech Substitution Modern prosthetics cater to consumers aiming for physical perfection. By [Tana Makmanee](https://www.trendhunter.com/tmak), SVP, Research Services at Trend Hunter | Published Feb 13, 2014, updated Feb 20, 2014 | Category: [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/technology-trends-and-gadgets) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/hightech-substitution ## Key Figures - Trend score: 3.4/10 - Evidence articles: 5 ## What is the High-Tech Substitution trend? **High-Tech Substitution:** In a society where striving toward perfection is commonplace, consumers are always on the lookout for products or services that will make them the best they can be. High-tech prosthetics not only replace missing or damaged limbs, but also provide an overall improvement to function. These physical substitutions reflect the strive for excellence among consumers, combining practical physical attributes with high-tech features. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 5 featured examples - Articles from: Aug 15, 2013 to Feb 10, 2014 - Published: Feb 13, 2014 - Patterns: [Acceleration](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/acceleration) - Megatrends: [Catalyzation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/catalyzation), [Personalization](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/personalization), [Many to Many](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/many-to-many) ## Audience - Gender: 70% men, 30% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Themes within the High-Tech Substitution trend ### High-Tech Prosthetics Prosthetics with high-tech features that provide an overall improvement to function are becoming more common. ### 3D Printing Printing technology is being used to create low-cost realistic prosthetic body parts. ### Bionics Advancements in bionics are allowing prosthetic devices to restore partial feeling to the wearer's arm. ## What the High-Tech Substitution trend means for industry ### For Healthcare The healthcare industry can benefit from creating and adopting high-tech prosthetics and bionics that help restore functionalities of body parts. ### For Manufacturing Manufacturers can explore using 3D printing technology to create prosthetics and other artificial body parts, resulting in low-cost production and more enhanced realistic approach. ### For Sports Sporting companies can design and develop sports-oriented prosthetics devices that enable athletic disabled people get back into the game, like the Adidas Impetus Soccer Prosthesis. ## Trend signals for High-Tech Substitution Trend score 3.4 out of 10, from popularity 64%, activity 32%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 64% - Activity: 32% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the High-Tech Substitution trend 5 featured examples from Aug 15, 2013 to Feb 10, 2014. - [Feeling-Restoring Prosthetic Hands](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bionic-hand): This Bionic Hand Restores the Feeling of Touch to Amputees (Category: Tech) Implication: The development of bionic hands that restore the feeling of touch presents disruption opportunities in the prosthetics industry. - [Bionic Prosthetic Hands](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lifehand-2): The LifeHand 2 Artificial Arm May Bring Back Feelings That Were Once Lost (Category: Unique) Implication: The healthcare industry can explore new possibilities and applications for bionic prosthetic hands in improving the lives of amputees. - [Impressive Football Prostheses](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/impetus-soccer-prosthesis): The Impetus Soccer Prosthesis Enables Amputees to Play More Sports (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: The healthcare industry can explore the development and implementation of advanced 3D printing technology to create customized prosthetics for amputees. - [Wearable Musical Prosthetics](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/instrumented-bodies): 'Instrumented Bodies' Performs with Responsive Musical Skeletons (Category: Art & Design) Implication: The healthcare industry can incorporate advanced sensing technologies into prosthetics to enhance their functionality and bring new musical experiences to amputees. - [Palpable 3D Natural Eyes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/3d-natural-eyes): These 3D Printed Prosthetic Eyes are Made of Glass and Acrylic (Category: Unique) Implication: The healthcare industry could use 3D printing technology to create more affordable and realistic prosthetic replacements for the human body. ## Recent trend clusters - [Delegated Interfaces](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/delegated-interfaces) (Tech) - [Adaptive Controls](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/adaptive-controls) (Tech) - [Desk Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/desk-systems) (Tech) - [Spatial Refinement](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/spatial-refinement) (Tech) ## Trending in Tech - [Decor-Led Home Projectors](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/decor-led-home-projectors) - [Accessible Fintech Pop-Ups](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chequing-account) - [Dual-Wavelength Recovery Wearables](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/joint-therapy) - [Pop-Culture WiFi Routers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pop-culture-wifi-routers) All articles: [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech)