A powered foot and ankle prosthesis for improved maneuverability and reduced metabolic cost

This Phase I STTR proposal seeks to address the need for development and implementation of novel powered prosthetic foot-ankle components that can by used by military personnel with lower-limb loss in typical military and civilian environments. A cost-effective, biomemetic, dynamic foot-ankle system is proposed that improves balance, walking speed, gait metabolism, and prosthesis control compared to current passive foot-ankle technologies. Additionally, the system will be developed for use by military and civilian personnel in situations that include stair ascent and descent and uneven terrains. We propose to develop a prototype of an active ankle-foot prosthesis comprising motor, spring and variable-damping elements. These electromechanical components and power components will meet practical size, weight and energy requirements. With this prosthesis, both ankle joint impedance and mechanical power generation will be controlled, offering the civilian and military below-knee amputee improvements in walking metabolism and gait pattern. The muscle like-actuation and biomimetic control will be validated for stair and slop ascent, descent, and uneven terrain. This project proposes research and development of the current prototype towards a viable commercial solution for military and civilian application.