The Michigan
Technological University mechanical engineer and his team have already
developed a prototype that can provide a range of motion that rivals a natural
gait. Next, they aim to give their robotic ankle something different: eyes. Researchers
are developing an artificial vision system. The key components are a low-cost
camera and a computer-controlled actuator, which adjusts the ankle's position
through a system of cables.
The camera can
identify the profile of the ground, while the computer knows where the next
footstep will be, based on how the user is moving the leg. Then the computer
analyzes the information from the camera and applies the correct angle and
stiffness to the ankle, just as you would with your biological foot and ankle. Thus,
the ankle could adapt precisely, whether the user is climbing stairs or
striding over a pothole.
More
information: