Prostheses are artificial devices designed to replace missing body parts lost through trauma, disease, or congenital conditions. They range from simple devices, such as artificial limbs, to advanced myoelectric prosthetics that mimic the natural movement of limbs through electrical signals from the user's muscles.

There are ongoing innovations in materials, making prosthetics lighter and more durable, and in design, making them more comfortable and aesthetically pleasing.

Future improvements in prosthetics are expected to focus on enhancing the integration between the device and the user's body to achieve more natural control and feedback. This includes the development of brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) that could allow for direct control of prosthetic devices with the mind, potentially restoring near-natural function. Additionally, advances in materials science could lead to even lighter, stronger, and more adaptable prosthetics, while 3D printing technology promises personalized and cost-effective solutions.

See also: artificial organs and regenerative medicine.

Full Body Prosthetics

A full set of smart prosthetic limbs, combined with replacement synthetic organs, could provide an entire replacement body that could host someone's brain. - David Wood Humai’s Head of Engineering On the Future That is to Come (interview) - IEET

Is it prostheses or prosthetics?

A prosthesis is an artificial body part (plural = prostheses) whereas the adjective is used to describe a particular type, for example a prosthetic hand. Prosthetics is the medical speciality studying and applying prostheses.