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