Replicating real feet.
Imagine if one of your feet couldn't adapt to uneven surfaces or flex to propel you forward with each step, this is what happens to most people who wear prosthetic feet, but a revolutionary new prosthetic foot can change that completely.
This invention is SoftFoot Pro, an impressive innovation created by Manuel Catalano and his team at the Italian Institute of Technology, unlike conventional prosthetic feet that are rigid or only slightly flexible, the SoftFoot Pro offers incredible flexibility by faithfully imitating the natural movement of the foot. human.
How the prosthesis works.
SoftFoot Pro is completely passive, that is, it does not require energy to operate and weighs only 450 grams, it can support loads of up to 100 kg and is composed of five parallel chains of high-strength plastic segment, these segments imitate the phalanges, bones of the Toes and metatarsal bones that extend from the toes to the heel that are joined by elastic connectors and an internal steel cable.
On top of these chains is a titanium arch that functions similarly to the plantar fascia of the human skin, storing and releasing energy with each step, this not only aids in walking momentum but also allows the foot to absorb 10% to 50% of the impact energy when it hits the ground.
The flexible design of the SoftFoot Pro also allows the fingers to bend when climbing hills, helping to keep the user upright, in addition to adapting to uneven terrain and facilitating movements such as kneeling and crouching, it is not affected by water and is perfect for various outdoor activities. fresh air.
Amputee volunteers have already tested the SoftFoot Pro in clinical trials at the Hanover Medical School and the Medical University of Vienna and that's not all, the technology has also been approved in advanced robots such as the animal quadruped at eth Zurich and the humanoid hp4 in the University of Tokyo, demonstrating its multifunctional potential.
This Innovation promises to transform the lives of many people by providing more mobility and comfort for those who use prostheses but will have a great role in robotics.
