In recent days, robotic arms have received special attention thanks to the involvement of famous figures, but developments in the field of robotic legs should not be overlooked either. The latest news brings us to CYBERLEGs, a project funded by the European Commission that aims to create intelligent robotic legs capable of adapting to each user's needs and pace.
3D printing, miniaturization, sensors, lightweight materials, high-density batteries, robotics. Combining all these elements to develop the prosthetics of the future is not easy, but experts in each field have shown us time and again that we are on the right track. I have spoken on more than one occasion about the eradication of the wheelchair. I also like to think that traditional prosthetics are becoming increasingly obsolete, and that people with mobility limitations will soon have access to significantly superior systems. One such system comes from the CYBERLEGs project, funded by the European Commission and involving researchers from at least three universities.
The project's official page describes its main objective as the development of an artificial cognitive system that serves as a functional replacement for people with transfemoral amputation (above the knee). When a conventional prosthetic is replaced with a CYBERLEG, the patient can move forward and backward, go up and down stairs, and sit and stand from a chair with minimal energy expenditure.
The integration of sensors (both pressure and movement), the use of advanced algorithms, and a detailed study of the patient's movements allow the robotic legs to interpret the user's intentions with greater precision, while reducing the risk of a fall. If necessary, the patient can receive an additional pelvic support to help with hip movement.
As seen in the video, tests with CYBERLEGs have produced surprising results. With adequate funding and technical support from interested companies, the first legs derived from the CYBERLEGs project could reach the market within two or three years. Now, the next step is to miniaturize the entire system, reduce energy consumption (the current configuration runs for three hours), and optimize its aesthetics. Above all, patience. The project has been in development for three years. Who knows what they might achieve with three more years...
Official site: http://www.cyberlegs.eu
