A new artificial leg developed at Vanderbilt University and allow patients to walk without amputation characteristics of conventional artificial foot.
This device uses the latest advances in computers, sensors, electric motors and battery technology to provide bionic abilities: that of simultaneously operating the knee and ankle joints with motion sensors that monitor users.
The new leg has a microprocessor that is programmed using the data to predict what is attempted by the user and the device operates in a manner that facilitates these movements.
"The device we describe our progress in integrating human and machine," said Michael Goldfarb, professor of mechanical engineering from Vanderbilt, as quoted by Science Daily, August 23, 2011.
Vanderbilt prosthesis designed for everyday life. This makes it substantially easier for patients with amputation for walking, sitting, standing, and walking up and down stairs and ramps in place.
Research has shown that users are equipped with these devices naturally runs 25 percent faster on the surface of the storied than when they use ordinary prosthesis. That's because they need energy from 30 to 40 percent lower.
How do trials? Craig Hutto, who amputated the patient says, when working, new-tech prosthetic limbs is entirely different from the artificial leg he used.
"Walking up and down the slopes is one of the hardest things to do with conventional leg, but it will not be a problem with the new leg is due to go up and down the slopes almost as easy as using a natural foot," said Hutto.
One of the new capabilities presented by the engineers on this bionic leg is anti-tripping. If it detects that the user's feet will stumble, it would automatically lift his leg to avoid the obstacles that exist.
If it detects the user will stumble, he will automatically avoid obstacles.
