Scientists Develop New, Lifelike Robotic Legs; Offers Hope for Accident Victims

August 09, 2012

Often, the worst part of recovering from a serious accident is not the short-term process of healing acute injuries. Instead, the real struggle comes in knowing that your life will never be the same. Many seriously-injured accident victims find themselves needing to adapt to a whole new way of life.

This is especially true for accident victims whose injuries have rendered them unable to walk. Whether it is because of a spinal cord injury, amputation or other trauma, adjusting to a less-mobile lifestyle can be extremely difficult.

Technology Presents Hope for Accident Victims

Medical researchers are in a constant quest to solve this problem. Recently, scientists from the University of Arizona announced that they have created a new set of robotic legs that mimic the way human beings walk. The legs have been dubbed the "most realistic" robotic invention to date.

The robotic legs are designed to mimic the sensory feedback that humans use to adapt to their environment. When humans walk, nerves in the lower limbs send feedback to a set of spinal-column neurons that scientists refer to as the "central pattern generator." This feedback loop allows humans to maintain a steady and even gait, even in changing terrain.

To replicate this process, the researchers installed sensors on the underside of the robotic legs' feet. The sensors provide information that the legs then use to adjust how they are walking. For example, when they encounter an uphill slope, the legs will automatically adapt to move more slowly and push harder.

Of course, the idea of equipping paralyzed accident victims with robotic legs is still more science fiction than reality. But, by getting a better understanding of the neuroscience of walking, scientists may be able to develop new treatments that can restore some ambulatory ability.

Article provided by The Maurer Law Firm, PLLC
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