The world of prosthesis is among the most rapidly advancing in this whole wild family we call wearable technology. It seems nearly every week we hear of some amazing new tech that seeks to make life easier for those with missing limbs. Thankfully, this week is no exception. This week’s entry may be the most useful of all. Read on for more information.
Belgium’s Vrije Universiteit Brussel is looking to carry the torch for the next wave of artificial limbs with their AMP-Foot 2.0 foot prosthesis device. This second-generation Ankle Mimicking Prosthetic Foot (AMP-Foot 2.0, now you understand) uses a pair of force sensors to determine the leg’s relative position and let an actuator build energy when the foot bends, locking the power away to use only when the owner pushes off. The efficiency of design creates all of the torque needed for an average-sized person to walk on their own volition, with the same “feeling” a person with both feet would feel.
The battery life is also stellar, as the motor is just 30 or 60 watts depending on which prototype version is being looked at. Again, as just stated, these are just prototype versions for now. Clinical trials have begun, though, and the results look promising. We’ll let you know more as this story develops. Check below for a video of the artificial foot in action. We think it’s pretty darned cool. Here’s looking at you, science!
