 |
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 ")
Mind-Control Lights At Vancouver Olympics
This doesn't quite bring The Game (from ST:TNG) to the Olympic Games, but close.
Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy For Iraq Vets
Extensive study now being done on the uses of virtual reality in combatting PTSD in returning veterans.
App Turns iPhone Into Autodoc (Almost)
It doesn't treat your injuries (yet), but the Pocket First Aid & CPR app provided enough information and assistance to save the life of a man trapped by the earthquake in Haiti.
Vitalsens Continuous Medical Monitoring
Why shouldn't your doctor be able to check up on you between office visits - if you want him or her to be able to do so?
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.
Current News
Put MercuryHouseOne Anywhere
Perhaps looking out through the spray of Victoria Falls.
Computational Wood: Grow Circuits In Living Trees
Just tap into the information tree.
SIRI Virtual Assistant Like Pohl's Joymaker
Man Forrester! Your joymaker is ready.
Liquid Glass Universal Spray-On Protectant
Also used to protect galactic way stations.
WIND Wearable Robot Controller
Robot wirelessly sense, robot do.
Gesture Cube Touch-Free Input
Just think of the gestures you'll use!
IMPASS Robot 'Smart Wheel' Video
I love it when good robot research comes together.
Predator, Prey Robots Evolve
Humanity must make a choice about robot evolution.
Mind-Control Lights At Vancouver Olympics
Bringing The Game to the Olympic Games.
PALRO Companion Robot
Who's your favorite companion robot?
Wasabi Smoke Alarm Now Available
It's an odalarm!
Spyder Olympic GS Suit With d3o
An impact suit made with a shear thickening material.
First Transistor That Mimics Brain Synapse
The Nexus Six phone will need a Nexus-6 brain.
Legged Squad Support System Monster BigDog Robot
A robotic pack mule for soldiers.
Implantable Energy-Harvesting Rubber Sheets
Take a deep breath, and power up that cell phone!
Bose Ride System Smooths Your Ride
Ride the spaceways - uh, roads - in comfort.
