New bionic prosthetic leg without problems coping down the stairs

The present time can probably be called the golden age for bionic prostheses. Now a large number of companies are working on creating their own version of this kind of prosthesis, and some models are very good. One of the promising developments was created by the specialists of the research laboratory at the Rehabilitation Institute from Chicago.

This laboratory has created a bionic prosthetic leg, which automatically determines the type of activity that the prosthesis owner is going to perform. Now tests are conducted with the participation of 27-year-old sculptor Terry Karpowicz.

According to Karpovich, he previously used a programmable prosthesis C-Leg. Although this prosthesis is much more advanced than most conventional systems, the prosthesis must be tuned before performing any task (for example, descending or ascending the steps).
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With regard to the new bionic system, it perceives the signals transmitted by the nerve endings of the legs, and works in accordance with the received (and processed) information. The prosthesis reads electromyographic signals using electrodes located in each of the 9 residual muscles of the rest of the limb. After that, 13 mechanical sensors embedded in the prosthesis will be activated. A special algorithm recognizes the signals, analyzes the patterns, and the system begins to act based on the situation.

This prosthesis weighs as much as the leg of an adult, so the patient does not feel any inconvenience. The system works due to the built-in battery, which lasts for 12 hours. At night, the prosthesis must be charged.

The cost of such a system is $ 40,000, but in the future the price can be reduced through the use of 3D printers and the use of inexpensive electronic components that are used in mobile devices.