 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| . |  |
. |
Robotic Ankle For Amputees Is Developed
Cambridge MA (UPI) Jul 25, 2007 U.S. scientists have created the world's first robotic ankle -- an important advance for lower-limb amputees. The device, developed at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, propels a person forward using tendon-like springs and an electric motor. Researchers said their robotic ankle reduces fatigue, improves balance and provides amputees with a more fluid gait. The prototype was created by MIT Professor Hugh Herr and colleagues. "This design releases three times the power of a conventional prosthesis to propel you forward and, for the first time, provides amputees with a truly humanlike gait," said Herr, a double amputee who tested his own invention. "It's wild, like you're on one of those moving walkways in the airport." The new device is light, flexible, and -- most importantly -- generates energy for walking beyond that which can be released from a spring alone. Ultimately, researchers want to determine if an implant could be used to mechanically attach an artificial limb directly to an amputee's residual limb bone, eliminating the discomfort experienced with conventional prostheses. Engineers said the device could become commercially available as early as next summer.
Source: United Press International Community Email This Article Comment On This Article Related Links All about the robots on Earth and beyond!
iRobot Receives New Military Orders 14 PackBot Robots
Burlington MA (SPX) Jul 25, 2007iRobot has received two delivery orders totaling $17.5 million for iRobot) PackBot) robots for the U.S. military. The Program Executive Office for Simulation, Training, and Instrumentation (PEO STRI), formerly NAVAIR, on behalf of the Robotic Systems Joint Project Office at Redstone Arsenal, Ala., and the Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) both placed orders for iRobot's combat-proven military robots. iRobot expects to complete delivery by the end of January 2008. |
|
|
| The content herein, unless otherwise known to be public domain, are Copyright 1995-2006 - SpaceDaily.AFP and UPI Wire Stories are copyright Agence France-Presse and United Press International. ESA PortalReports are copyright European Space Agency. All NASA sourced material is public domain. Additionalcopyrights may apply in whole or part to other bona fide parties. Advertising does not imply endorsement,agreement or approval of any opinions, statements or information provided by SpaceDaily on any Web page published or hosted by SpaceDaily. Privacy Statement |
