An artificial leg that mimics the way real legs move will let amputees walk
further over difficult terrain without getting tired, its developers say. The
prosthetic legs available today, such as the one worn by sprinter Ray Marlon
Shirley at this week鈥檚 Paralympics, are passive. For example, they
rely on inertia to bend and flex joints. These limbs need more energy input from
the wearer than normal walking. But researchers at Sandia National Laboratories
in Albuquerque, New Mexico, are building sensors into strategic parts of their
prosthesis and using hydraulically powered joints to control precisely how the
leg moves. The leg will also be more comfortable to wear.
More from New Scientist
Explore the latest news, articles and features
Technology
Test moderators use AI-generated writing to judge literacy standards
News
Mind
THC in cannabis may reduce nightmares in people with PTSD
News
Environment
Fishers detonate a bomb every hour on one Indonesian coral reef
News
Environment
How bad is the UK drought and how long will it continue?
News
Popular articles
Trending New Scientist articles