Science Fiction
Dictionary
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
 |
Robotic Ankle First Such Powered Prosthesis
A powered robotic ankle developed by the biomechatronics group at MIT's Media Lab was demonstrated by Hugh Herr, lab director, earlier this week. Herr wore the device on his right leg to demonstrate; he lost both his legs below the knee in a 1982 rock-climbing accident. This may be the world's first powered ankle prosthesis.
(World's first robotic powered ankle)
The powered robotic ankle is a biomimetic device; it imitates the energy storage performed by a living human ankle. When we walk, ligaments and tendons store energy as we move into a step; the same energy is released as we pass over that leg, moving forward. The robotic ankle contains a set of springs and a small, battery-powered motor. (See a detailed drawing of the powered robotic ankle.)
The energy-storage is similar to regenerative breaking used in hybrid cars; the new robotic ankle prosthesis is about twenty percent more efficient than previous designs.
"This is the first prosthesis that allows for a humanlike gait," said Herr. "It's strong enough to push my body forward and to propel me up stairs."
The team hopes to have a commercial version available by 2008. The device has been tested on able-bodied people in partnership with the Walter Reed Army Medical Center, as part of the Military Amputee Research Program. In tests, the robotic ankle does indeed appear to match the power of a normal ankle in walking.
Take a look at this related story describing how a Robotic Ankle Exoskeleton Helps Users Regain Limb Function. A different approach is used in the AKROD v2 - Active Knee Rehabilitation Device .
Via Technology Review.
Scroll down for more stories in the same category. (Story submitted 5/12/2007)
Follow this kind of news @Technovelgy.| Email | RSS | Blog It | Stumble | del.icio.us | Digg | Reddit |
Would
you like to contribute a story tip?
It's easy:
Get the URL of the story, and the related sf author, and add
it here.
Comment/Join discussion ( 3 )
Related News Stories - (" Medical ")
Brain Implant Is Able To Capture Your Inner Dialogue
'So you see, you can hide nothing from me.'
'Pregnancy Humanoids' From China Replace Moms
'A great many of these synthetic babies were made...' - David H. Keller, 1928.
Bacteria Turns Plastic Into Pain Relief? That Gives Me An Idea.
'I guess there's nobody round this table who doesn't have a Crosswell [tapeworm] working for him in the small intestine.'
Heart Patches Grown In The Lab Repair Hearts
I'm hoping that this procedure becomes a normal part of medical practice!
Technovelgy (that's tech-novel-gee!) is devoted to the creative science inventions and ideas of sf authors. Look for the Invention Category that interests you, the Glossary, the Invention Timeline, or see what's New.
Science Fiction
Timeline
1600-1899
1900-1939
1940's 1950's
1960's 1970's
1980's 1990's
2000's 2010's
Current News
RoboBallet The Dance Of Cooperative Robots
'...an integrated seven-unit robot team.'
Chrysalis Generation Ship to Alpha Centauri
'This was their world, their planet —
this swift-traveling, yet seemingly moveless vessel.'
Alexa+ And Its AI Brain Improvements
'What's it do?' he asked. 'It amuses.'
Does CloneRobotics Offer A True Android?
Is this What Little Girls Are Made Of?
Brain Implant Is Able To Capture Your Inner Dialogue
'So you see, you can hide nothing from me.'
Are AIs Going Rogue Like Hal 9000
'I know that you and Frank were planning to disconnect me...'
Animated Tumblebugs On Astounding Cover!
'Gaines and Harvey mounted tumblebugs, and kept abreast of the Cadet Captain...'
LingYuan Vehicle Roof Drones Now Available, ala Blade Runner 2049
Accompanied by a small selection of similar ideas from science fiction.
China Steals Strato Airship Design From Google App Engine
'...war-balloons, or, as it would be more correct to call them, navigable aerostats.'
The First Space Warship For Space Force
'Each of the electrical ships carried about twenty men...'
Biohybrid Jellyfish Explore The Ocean
As predicted, and detailed, by science fiction writers!
Should AIs and AI Robots Demand Rights?
'This robot is a creature... It is a manlike being. Therefore, like any other talking, thinking man, he is entitled to a court trial!'
Robot Learns Human Tool Usage By Imitation Learning
'I got one of those new electronic cameras...'
Companion Caregiver ChatGPT Dolls
'Every Artificial Friend is unique, right?'
'Pregnancy Humanoids' From China Replace Moms
'A great many of these synthetic babies were made...'
Man Builds 200 Foot Basement Firing Range
'The basement was huge... carved deep into the rock.'
