Motorized Prosthetic Knee Walks into Europe, U.S.
Motorized Prosthetic Knee Walks into Europe, U.S.
Posted 02/25/2011 at 5:52am
| by Paul Lilly
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Ossur, a global player in the prosthetic and orthopedic innovations game, has built the world's first motor-powered prosthetic knee. It's called Power Knee, and lower leg amputees in Europe and the U.S. will be able to get their hands on it first. Unlike traditional prosthetics, the Power Knee doesn't require patients to physically move it with their remaining limb.
Instead, the Power Knee functions as an integrated extension of its user. It does this by using battery-powered capabilities to compensate for the lost muscle and asymmetrical movement that are typical in people who have lost limbs. Sophisticated motion sensors, wireless communication, and artificial intelligence combine to make real-time adjustments based on changes in speed, stride, and even terrain.
The question of healthcare always comes into play, and as it pertains to the U.S., Ossur says a select number prosthetic practices and healthcare institutions have been certified as Power Knee Providers.
More info here.
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Scootiep
February 25, 2011 at 7:40am
Ok, now I know this is really disgusting and I'm not suggesting that I or ANYONE do this later on. But with how motorized robotic limbs are becoming, is anybody else thinking what I'm thinking. Specifically, you're at a night club and a multiple amputee comes in with the latest in prosthetic limbs. You whip out your driod and hack into the guys limbs (my guess is they'll be getting some form of wireless input/output to aid in diagnostics for doctors). Anybody catch where this is going yet? That's right, the next thing everybody notices is this poor quadriplegic doing the robot absolutely perfectly without having a freaking clue as to why. Ok, I lied, I would totally do this and encourage anyone else to try to find a way!
Scootiep
February 25, 2011 at 7:41am
Ok, now I know this is really disgusting and I'm not suggesting that I or ANYONE do this later on. But with how motorized robotic limbs are becoming, is anybody else thinking what I'm thinking. Specifically, you're at a night club and a multiple amputee comes in with the latest in prosthetic limbs. You whip out your driod and hack into the guys limbs (my guess is they'll be getting some form of wireless input/output to aid in diagnostics for doctors). Anybody catch where this is going yet? That's right, the next thing everybody notices is this poor quadrapalegic doing the robot absolutly perfectly without having a freaking clue as to why. Ok, I lied, I would totally do this and encourrage anyone else to try to find a way!
Edit: Sorry for the double post. My isp is apparently riding a rollercoaster atm.
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