Now a pair of such Bluetooth-enabled robotic legs are helping an Iraq veteran walk again. Marine Lance Cpl. Joshua Bleill lost both his legs above the knees when a bomb exploded under his Humvee while on patrol in Iraq. Physical therapists outfitted him with robotic legs that can talk to each other.
Each leg has a computer chip, as well as built-in motors, to ease the process of walking long distances. Past versions of the prosthetic legs were provided only to people with one good, working leg. The robot leg would imitate the existing, organic leg.
With Bleill's set, each leg mimics the other, the robotic legs communicate using Bluetooth technology. When Bleill stands up and leans forward, the legs get the signal to start walking.
After several steps, the legs have worked out a coordinated walking motion that continues until Bleill signals them to stop by apply resistance to forward motion with canes.
Bleill is reportedly pretty impressed by this pair of robotic legs.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
more . . .
0 comments:
Post a Comment