Q and A

You've got questions, I've got answers.

This Q and A is specifically for the BiOM T2 system, made by Hugh Herr and his company, BiOM Personal Bionics.






Question 1.  What is personal bionics?

Answer: Personal bionics emulates a certain individual's muscle and tendon function through bionic propulsion technology.  Those who are amputees can use this device specifically for ankles controlling ankle stiffness and power during the phase of walking, which allows natural muscle function and improving mobility.  Bionic propulsion relieves stress on the joints, reducing aches, pains which the traditional prosthetic normally causes.

Question 2. What are the benefits of the BiOM T2 system?

Answer: The benefits are that you can walk with a more natural gait, no other commercially available ankle-foot prosthetic gives the ability to function like a human ankle-foot during level-ground walking.  The BiOM T2 also reduced musculoskeletal stress which is believed to be the leading cause of osteoarthritis, how so? Well, the BiOM T2 lowers the impact force on the unaffected leg which provides normal levels of powered plantar flexion and has the ability to lower the chance of osteoarthritis.  Third, when you walk with the BiOM T2, it uses less energy.  It is the only ankle-foot device that actually requires less metabolic energy than a non amputee.  You can even increase your preferred walking speed unlike non amputees.  Lastly, you can navigate uneven terrain using less effort and with even more speed.

Question 3. Who can wear the BiOM T2 System?

Answer: The BiOM T2 is made for transtibial, transfemoral, or bilateral amputees, and weigh no more than 250 pounds.

Question 4.  Can the BiOM T2 System be adjusted to fit one's standards?

Answer: Yes, the BiOM T2 has Personal Bionic Tuning to make adjustments to the gait cycle and the person's preferred level within reason.  There is app by Android which a BiOM Certified Healthcare Professional will make the adjustments for the person.

Question 5. What is the weight, height, and capacity of the BiOM T2 System?

Answer: The BiOM T2 foot module and cover weighs 5.1 lbs. (2.3 kg), and the ankle will match that weight or weigh even less.  The build height is 8 5/8".  In one charge the BiOM T2 System can travel around 1,500-2,000 strides but it varies based on the person's speed, activities, and weight, typically a 4-6 hour battery life.  It takes 45 minutes for a full charge after a normal depletion.

Question 6. What is the average lifespan of the BiOM System?

Answer: Its intended lifespan battery is designed for 3-5 years of normal use, or 5 million gait cycles by a 250 lb. person.  There is a 36 month US warranty, the BiOM T2 charger covers a 24 month warranty and their batteries have a 12 month warranty