MyLeg: A Smart and Intuitive Transfemoral Bionic Leg
Imagine a bionic leg that not only helps to walk again but also makes it possible to do so without constantly thinking about it. That would make life a little easier for those who need it. That's what Rafaella Carloni is working on with her research project 'MyLeg' - A Smart and Intuitive Transfemoral Bionic Leg'.
During the research, extensive physics-based musculoskeletal modelling of people with an amputation was used to design the mechanical parts that produce movement (the actuators) and to develop the electronic part, the on-board sensors, and the control modules. All of these were combined to create a functional bionic leg that would allow those who need it to move around more naturally.
Prof. R. Carloni (University of Groningen): "During the research, extensive physics-based musculoskeletal modelling of people with an amputation was used to design the mechanical parts that produce movement (the actuators) and to develop the electronic part, the on-board sensors, and the control modules. All of these were combined to create a functional bionic leg that would allow those who need it to move around more naturally."
Impact
Carloni studies the methodologies and technologies that enable robotic systems to seamlessly interact with humans. Carloni explains: "In the design of the bionic leg prototype, we use a biomimicry approach as we intend to replicate the fundamental functionalities of the healthy human leg, in both the mechanics and the control architecture." These bio-inspired parts not only improve the mobility of people who have undergone an above-the-knee amputation, but also increase the overall comfort and improve user experience.
More info: http://www.myleg.eu/
