New 'Bionic' Leg Gives Amputees a Natural Gait

The Vanderbilt leg in action.

Summary: Developed at Vanderbilt University for the past seven years, a new leg prosthetic has been made. It allows amputees to have a more regular walk. Unlike the artificial legs of the past, amputees do not walk with their leg dragging. This is the first prosthetic to have powered knee and ankle joints. These operate in unison. The prosthetic employs the newest advances in computers, sensors, electric motors, and batteries. Sensors monitor the user's motion while microprocessors predict what the user is doing. It also tries to make movements easier, such as walking, sitting, standing, going up and down stairs, and going up ramps. The Vanderbilt prosthesis allows its users to walk 25% faster on level surfaces than when they use regular prostheses. It also weighs about nine pounds, which is lighter than most human legs.

Critique: This is going to make so many people's lives easier. They are going to be able to walk normally and do tasks more easily. I would really like to see this technology go to disabled veterans.

Impact: This technology is going to change lives. It's going to make people and their families happier because they will be able to do more things together.

References: http://news.vanderbilt.edu/2011/08/bionic-leg/ http://www.biologynews.net/archives/2011/08/18/new_bionic_leg_gives_amputees_a_natural_gait_.html