Motor-Powered Prosthetic Foot "Identifies" Steps and Obstacles
From: NASA Tech Briefs Insider - 08/07/2006

The PROPRIO FOOT(TM) prosthetic foot from Ossur North America (Aliso Viejo,
CA) is the first motor-powered and artificially intelligent prosthesis for
transtibial amputees. The foot's motion analysis capabilities are provided by
real-time sensor technology that mimics the body's neural receptors,
providing a sense of where the limb is in space - an important safety issue
for amputees. 

Artificial intelligence processes information from the sensors and activates
the most appropriate response for the next step, enabling the foot to detect
and adapt to changes. It can identify slopes and stairs, instructing the
ankle to flex. A motor and battery generate the necessary amount of
prosthetic function to the foot. 

The US Department of Defense and the Veterans Administration are using the
foot to benefit servicemen returning from the Iraq war, as well as veterans
of past wars. 

Links:
Ossur
http://www.ossur.com/

Giant step in prosthetic technology
http://www.ossur.com/template110.asp?PageID=1940&newsid=1910

Proprio foot
http://www.ossur.com/template110.asp?pageid=2168
http://bionics.ossur.com/pages/312

Proprio foot stands and delivers for amputees
http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2006-08/o-pfs080306.php
