Amputees to walk easy with Robotic Ankle
Normal prostheses work fine but they don't ease the walking. An amputee with prosthetic ankle has to spend more energy is walking than a normal person. The reason is that they make use of simple springs that act as shock absorbers.
Researchers at MIT have refined this technique and have developed the Robotic Ankle. This one comes with a battery that reduces the amount of energy a person spends while walking. When a person with Robotic Ankle walks, the energy is stored in a series of motor-backed springs. When he pushes off the stored energy is released and he moves forward.
The battery-powered motor gives the motion more power that eases the whole process. The robo-ankle also leads to a more natural, fluid gate.
The robo-ankle has been developed a team led by Hugh Herr who himself is an amputee. He tested the invention on himself and states that the walking motion can be compared to walking on a moving sidewalk.
This invention will surely be welcomed by everyone who requires a prosthetic ankle. The robo-ankle should be available within a year.
Via: Popsci
