An artificial ankle that adapts to uneven surfaces has been developed

An artificial ankle that adapts to uneven surfaces has been developed



Over the past few decades, limb prosthetics have progressed significantly, moving from the category of wooden stumps to high-tech works of art. Prostheses can be bionic, controlled directly by the brain, and also have a number of very amazing features, for example, to simulate sensations of touch and transmit them to humans. But no matter how good today's prostheses are, they are still very far from replacing full-fledged limbs.


The main problem lies in their limited ability to imitate the most subtle movements and sensations that are produced and transmitted from real hands and feet.


Engineers, physiologists and robots of Vanderbilt University are trying to solve this problem. Their latest development is a high-tech artificial ankle. Unlike conventional artificial ankles working on the principle of passive absorbance (absorption) of a shock when walking through a system of springs and stuffing material, the prototype developed by the specialists of Vanderbilt University can adapt to different surfaces and style of human walking. Her movements are as much like the movements of a real ankle. It is able to control the tilt and lift of the foot, which simplifies movement on uneven surfaces.

The system works thanks to the motor and the drive element located inside the joint. They are controlled by a microcomputer that calculates each movement and each step of the artificial limb. Vanderbilt University mechanical engineering professor Michael Goldfarb, who invented this high-tech artificial ankle, said that such a device "is the first to be able to adapt to what is near it." The scientist adds that the user of the prosthesis can be much more comfortable moving around inclined surfaces and ladders, because the device "independently determines what you are doing and adapts appropriately to this action."

The foot prosthesis with a high-tech artificial ankle was checked by Mike Sasser, who lost his leg as a result of a car crash.

"I was already testing dentures with hydraulic ankles. But they were all uncomfortable, heavy and not suitable for a person engaged in active life. The same prosthesis is the complete opposite, "the man commented.



The development of the prosthesis is at an early stage. Now, it requires a power cable to operate. However Goldfarb and his team are working on how to make it stand-alone and want to release their high-tech artificial ankle to the commercial market in the coming years.

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