Episoden

The future of human bionics - Georgia Näder and Oliver Jakobi on tradition and transformation.
04.02.2026
57 Minuten
This episode of Taste of Bionics brings together two leaders who represent both continuity and transformation at Ottobock: Georgia Näder, a fourth-generation member of the founding family, embodies innovation and modern leadership while staying true to the company’s core values; and Oliver Jakobi, who started as an apprentice and rose to become CEO, has steered Ottobock through decades of growth and, most recently, its landmark IPO in October 2025. Together, they share a vision: empowering people through technology, driving user-centered innovation, and shaping the future of mobility worldwide.
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The art of rewiring – Jennifer Ernst on innovative amputation medicine
21.01.2026
55 Minuten
Working in the field of nerve regeneration has a lot in common with being an electrician, says Dr. Jennifer Ernst. She is Head of Innovative Amputation Medicine, Department of Trauma Surgery, Medizinische Hochschule Hannover (MHH). A specialist in Plastic and Aesthetic Surgery, Jennifer has special knowledge in modern surgical techniques such as targeted muscle rein nervation (TMR), osseointegration and Agonist-Antagonist-Myoneuronal-Interface (AMI). In this episode of Taste of Bionics, together with Ranga, she explores the main advantages of such procedures, the current limitations and existing challenges. Where is the development in amputation medicine headed and what will the next milestones be?
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Muscles and machines – Connor Glass on new approaches to prosthesis control
07.01.2026
1 Stunde 4 Minuten
What happens when the boundary between humans and machines starts to dissolve? Dr. Connor Glass is the Founder and CEO of Phantom Neuro, a neurotechnology company building the next generation of human–machine interfaces. With a background in medicine and research at Johns Hopkins, Connor left clinical practice to tackle a deeper challenge: how humans can intuitively and seamlessly control the machines that extend their capabilities. In this episode of Taste of Bionics, Connor talks to Ranga about developing Phantom X, a minimally invasive muscle-machine interface that enables intuitive control of prosthetic limbs and robotic devices, and how to make high-performance neural control accessible and scalable – not only for amputees, but also for broader applications in robotics and human augmentation.
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Bionics in motion – Johannes Floors on athletic excellence
17.12.2025
56 Minuten
How do people react when they see someone running on blades fast – like really, really fast? Johannes Floors is a German Paralympic sprinter and double below-knee amputee who competes using high-performance prosthetic blades. He has won multiple gold medals at World Championships and Paralympic Games, including in Rio, Tokyo, and Paris. He is also a trained orthopaedic technician, works on his Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering and is part in Ottobock’s Research & Development department, where he contributes to advancing prosthetic technologies. In this episode of Taste of Bionics, he talks to Ranga about what led to his decision to amputate both legs below the knees and how it changed his life, and he takes us on his journey on becoming a world class athlete. Tune in to discover how technology, resilience, and curiosity can redefine what it means to be human and why Ottobock is at the forefront of enabling that future.
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The future of prosthetics – Hugh Herr on the dream of eliminating physical disability
03.12.2025
1 Stunde 3 Minuten
Every guest is our host Ranga’s favourite guest, of course – but this conversation in particular has him on the edge of his seat: Hugh Herr is a professor at the MIT Media Lab, where he leads the Biomechatronics Group and co-directs the K. Lisa Yang Center for Bionics. But first of all, he is known for transferring the whole field: After losing both legs in a climbing accident in 1982, Hugh turned personal adversity into scientific innovation. In this episode of Taste of Bionics, he talks to Ranga about developing advanced prosthetic limbs that integrate with the human nervous system, restoring mobility and enhancing physical capabilities. How do bionic limbs work? What about the future of human-machine interfaces? And what are the challenges in translating lab research to real-world applications? Tune in to discover how technology, resilience, and curiosity can redefine what it means to be human and why Ottobock is at the forefront of enabling that future. Find out more about Ottobock: https://corporate.ottobock.com/en/home
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Über diesen Podcast

Taste of Bionics is a podcast hosted by renowned science journalist Ranga Yogeshwar, diving deep into the intersection of humans and technology. In each episode, guests will discuss cutting-edge topics at the interface between people and technology. They include the very latest prosthetics, exoskeletons, neural interfaces, human-machine interaction, artificial intelligence and innovations in medical technology designed to improve lives. From the emotional reality of limb loss to the design of bionic systems that can operate in space, this podcast goes beyond buzzwords. This podcast is offering real insight into how innovation is redefining movement, identity and what it means to be human. For anyone interested in the future of mobility and the science of human enhancement. Join us every other Tuesday. Follow now and never miss an episode. Produced by Podstars by OMR.

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