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 MIT's new powered-ankle prosthesis uses springs and small motors to propel the wearer forward. Inventor Hugh Herr, a double amputee himself, describes it as similar to being "on one of those moving walkways in the airport." Joel Kupersmith, M.D., chief research and development officer for the VA, adds, "The ingenious computerized design of this new prosthesis… constantly 'thinks' and responds, allowing the person to walk or run in a more natural and comfortable way." In the long term, Herr hopes to attach the prosthesis, and the load-bearing, directly to the amputee's remaining bone, eliminating the sores and discomfort of current prosthetics.
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Re: MIT Kicks Some Ankle
