Otto Bock's prosthetic C-Leg cleared for battle

It's been quite a while since we've heard anything new on the C-Leg, but German firm Otto Bock has now unveiled a sleeker, stronger, and more military-approved version for those in need of a new leg. The microprocessor-controlled knee joint is "the standard prosthesis issued to US fighters who have lost a leg above the knee," offers up a number of "modes" to best suit your current activity, and includes a wireless remote for switching between those modes. The intelligent system within takes data samples of your gait 50 times per second in order to best adapt to your needs, and the internal hydraulics promise "optimal response" no matter how strenuous or demanding the chore. Of course, buying a leg that seemingly puts these natural ones to shame won't run you cheap, as the newest C-Leg will reportedly cost somewhere in the $30,000 to $40,000 range to have it delivered and fitted.

[Via Wired]
Read - C-Leg used on American soldiers
Read - Product Page

[ned789 @ Jul 19th 2007 5:03PM]

"Otto Bocks, transform and roll out."

[Mike W @ Jul 19th 2007 5:04PM]

I guess the old addage about a one legged man in a ass kicking contest dosen't apply...Because he would still bionicly kick your ass....through the wall...

[Gechmir @ Jul 19th 2007 5:10PM]

$30,000-$40,000? Boy, talk about costing you an arm and (another) leg.

[Jason @ Jul 19th 2007 5:28PM]

It good to see Otto really stepped up his game.

[Richard @ Jul 19th 2007 5:41PM]

Very cool, but is there any kind of foot to put on the end of it? Still looks a lot like a pirate's peg leg...

[ekauq @ Jul 19th 2007 5:49PM]

you'd think this kind of prosthetic leg would be more military-approved :)

http://www.cinemarati.org/files/grindhouse.jpg

[ekauq @ Jul 19th 2007 5:52PM]

sorry about that link

http://z.about.com/d/worldfilm/1/0/D/t/planet24.jpg

[EDomain @ Jul 19th 2007 6:20PM]

I was in the U.S. military in peace time, and am fierecely patriotic, but this makes me take a step back and go "Whoah".

Think about it: Previously, injured warfighters that lost a leg could get a prosthetic leg to help walk again.

THIS leg not only gets the warfighter a new leg, it enables him to keep fighting. At first glance, you might say, "This is great for the professional soldier that doesn't want to give up his profession due to a wound like this". Okay, fine, I agree.

And then I play this forward in my mind another, oh, 30 or 40 years. First we start replacing a soldiers legs with advanced prosthetics. Why stop there? Make it bullet/shrapnel proof, and make them BETTER than the original leg. Arms too, I suppose. A mechanical heart and lungs impervious to gas attacks, artificial eyes that can see better than normal ones, and don't forget the new neural ram we saw on Engadget awhile back.

Some may say, "Bring on the cyborgs" and I have been a proponent of cyborg type technology that would be an option for people that wanted it... but now that we have prosthetics to keep guys in the fight when their wounds have earned them a heroes rest--- I don't know. I have to be honest, this scares the living shit out of me. It's facinating, and it petrifies me all at once.

Who can envision the scenario of the impoverished in some country making the choice in the future, "Well, I can join the military and be given fake legs in return for cash/citizenship/etc. After all, I am dirt poor with no hope out, and its only my legs. Plus, they are better than real ones!"

This worries me, I read this and it raised the hackles on my neck. I know it was made with good intentions, but the road to hell is paved with good intentions.

[JLTate @ Jul 20th 2007 1:30AM]

Just thought I'd mention that the fantastic anime Ghost in the Shell deals precisely with the points you bring up.

[ninjakamster @ Jul 19th 2007 6:22PM]

How much does the optional missle-launcher lost?

[Brent Gaskey @ Jul 19th 2007 7:33PM]

it needs an iPod dock...

[Johnny Rico @ Jul 19th 2007 9:47PM]

Join the Mobile Infantry! Service means Citizenship! Would you like to know more?

[James @ Jul 19th 2007 10:30PM]

Wow, I wish my leg had a remote to make those types of changes on the run!

[Enrique @ Jul 19th 2007 10:46PM]

Leg=L33t

[drtekger @ Jul 20th 2007 12:08AM]

I wonder if it could "run" 3rd party apps ^^

[GioNYC2 @ Jul 20th 2007 9:13AM]

I thought if u loose a leg in the US Military your in operable to fight, they send u home for good. If I'm at battle with a prostetic leg I'm endagering my Platoon.

[doubtful @ Jul 20th 2007 4:38PM]

Yeah, why bother spending the money for proper body and vehicle armor when you can just rebuild your fodder and send them back out on the front lines.

Seriously, I don't see the US Government footing (no pun intended) the bill for this one when they can't even keep VA hospitals roach free.

Still, kick-ass technology.

[stumpy @ Jul 24th 2007 9:50AM]

I am a disadled veteran and have been useing the c-leg for two years. While I believe it is the best prosthetic knee on the market, it also is fairly easy to break. Mine has been in for repairs no less than 8 times. Most recently it broke while I was hikeing 5 miles from home it is once again in the shop for repairs.

[jebuswankel @ Aug 14th 2007 1:07AM]

I love the name, which I assume is a reference to the Pink Floyd song Corporal Clegg

[R Naidu @ Aug 25th 2007 11:07PM]

Am a C leg user for 4yrs NOW. Have had major battery and software hassles which plague me to this day Will def not recommend it to Anyone especially for what itcost me.