Podcast Summary

Bloomberg Businessweek – Biomechatronics Pioneer on Meeting the Needs of Women Patients

Date: November 21, 2025
Hosts: Carol Massar and Tim Stenovec
Guest: Dr. Hugh Herr, Professor at the MIT Media Lab; Co-Director of the K. Lisa Yang Center for Bionics

Overview

This episode focuses on the intersection of cutting-edge biomechatronics and women's health, featuring biomechatronics pioneer Dr. Hugh Herr. The conversation centers on the evolution of prosthetics, bias in device development toward male patients, and the future of bionics for all users—particularly women and those facing unique challenges such as diabetes-related limb loss.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Dr. Hugh Herr’s Inspiring Background

• At 17, Dr. Herr lost both legs to frostbite after a mountain climbing accident, a pivotal experience fueling his lifelong work and passion to improve prosthetic technology (01:07).
• Quote:
  “Today I use very high tech powered prostheses to, to stand, walk and run. So from that experience I really realized how limited current prosthetic technology was and I really dedicated my life as a young man to really advance the field...” – Dr. Hugh Herr (01:20)

2. Evolution of Prosthetic Devices

• Early prosthetics were rudimentary: “made of wood and… foam and metal… no computational intelligence, no sensories, information, no actuation.”
• Modern prosthetics are now “computer controlled… connected to the human nervous system… can convey human agency and ownership” (02:06).
• Quote:
  “I said to myself at the time, really, this is it. This is what society can provide? ...Today there exist computer controlled prostheses that adapt and are even connected to the human nervous system that can convey human agency and ownership and really restore physicality...” – Dr. Hugh Herr (02:19)

3. The Future of Bionics and Biomechatronics

• MIT’s focus is on merging biology with mechatronic engineering to create bionics that restore mobility after limb loss, paralysis, or degeneration (02:52).
• Aim: fully integrate bionics with the human brain, giving complete control and agency (02:57).
• Quote:
  “Our mission is to restore physicality... We can build these bionic systems to restore movement.” – Dr. Hugh Herr (03:19)

4. Addressing Gender Bias in Prosthetics

• Traumatic amputations are predominantly performed on men (~70%), leading to a male-centric approach in prosthetic design (03:49).
• Dr. Herr emphasizes the need for “truly personalized prosthetic limbs” to meet women's unique needs and counteract device bias stemming from industry statistics (03:49-04:30).
• Quote:
  “The prosthetic technology seems to be developed through the lens of needs that men face and not women. So there’s a tremendous need to develop truly personalized prosthetic limbs that reflect the needs of the individual and don’t have that mild [male] bias.” – Dr. Hugh Herr (03:54)

5. Ultimate Goals and Roadmap for Bionics

• The aspiration is a world where technology removes unwanted physical limitation or disability from disease, injury, or congenital conditions (05:57).
• For instance, a stroke patient (statistically more likely to be a woman) might regain full mobility via bionics (05:57).
• Quote:
  “Imagine a world where… you can move again, you can move without pain, you can dance again if you’d like. That’s the world that we seek.” – Dr. Hugh Herr (06:42)

6. Broader Health Issues: Diabetes and Amputation

• Discussion on diabetes as a major cause of amputation—especially in developed nations—and the promise of preventive approaches (GLP-1 drugs) alongside next-gen prosthetics (07:15).
• Approach: both prevention of diabetic complications and development of “extraordinary bionics” for amputees (07:15-08:11).
• Quote:
  “Any strategy that in time mitigates the probability of an amputation being required from… severe diabetic state is of course fantastic.” – Dr. Hugh Herr (07:17)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the need for inclusivity in device design:
  “So the prosthetic industry needs to not only reflect the needs of men, but also obviously of women.” – Dr. Hugh Herr (04:46)
• Personal anecdote reinforcing gendered risk-taking:
  “My brothers: man risk takers. And there were more accidents and runs to the emergency room… and broken limbs and things, unfortunately.” – Carol Massar (05:08)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Dr. Hugh Herr’s Story & Motivation – 00:44–01:51
• Evolution of Prosthetics – 02:06–02:46
• MIT’s Research Focus & the Future of Bionics – 02:52–03:28
• Gender Bias in Prosthetic Technology – 03:49–05:04
• Vision for a World Without Disability – 05:57–06:47
• Diabetes, Amputations & Preventive Health – 07:15–08:11

Tone and Takeaways

The discussion balances deep technical insight with a personal and compassionate tone. Dr. Herr candidly describes his journey from patient to inventor, while Carol and Tim draw connections to broader issues of health equity and the importance of user-centered innovation in medical tech. The segment reinforces optimism for a future where advances in biomechatronics are accessible, inclusive, and transformative for all—including women and those managing chronic diseases like diabetes.