Most people would have had their lives thrown into disarray after having both their legs amputated in a mountain-climbing accident at the age of 17.
Instead, Hugh Herr, a professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, refused to view his body as "broken" and was motivated to develop technology that would eliminate his disability, and ultimately, others.
He hosted the latest lecture at the Majlis Mohammed bin Zayed in Abu Dhabi’s Al Bateen Palace entitled 'The New Era of Extreme Bionics'.
Prof Herr’s efforts have resulted in the next generation of bionic limbs, robotic prosthetics inspired by nature's own designs, that allows users to run, climb and dance.
His lab is also working on projects that focus on treating paralysis, epilepsy, amputation and Parkinson’s disease through the development of bionic technologies.
The lecture was attended by Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, as well as Sheikhs, diplomats and dignitaries.
