Tensegrity prosthetic foot promises to make walking easier
By Donald Melanson 
posted Jun 20th 2008 5:41PM
posted Jun 20th 2008 5:41PM
It may not boast built-in Bluetooth or an array of sensors and motors, but inventor Jerome Rifkin says his so-called Tensegrity prosthetic foot can nonetheless give amputees a more natural gait and make it easier for them to walk across difficult terrain. That's apparently possible thanks to a unique but simple mid-foot joint, which takes the place of the ankle joint more commonly found in prosthetic feet and creates a flexible arch in the middle of the foot. A range of springs and tensioned cables are used to control it and a second joint at the toe, which simply respond to the natural pressure of walking and adapt to uneven terrain. As you can see for yourself in the video of the most recent prototype after the break, that setup appears to work remarkably well, and Rifkin has even thankfully managed to tone down some of the squeaking noise that plagued earlier prototypes.
If this is considered a gadget, then I want one.
I saw a kid on TV, who's creation probably inspired this design. Instead of springs it used tennis balls. (I think) Anyway wonder what became of that patent.
Tennis balls, huh? That sounds... practical.
Sorry, I was distracted by the slightly-creepy sounding, mouth-breathing camera man.
Explain, just how does one breathe a mouth?
You don't wanna know.
Think; Jeepers Creepers.
The breathing was a little odd though. Either the camera man is 600 pounds or he just got done running. .
I have to say, I was going to comment about how the breathing was creeping me out, but you mentioned it before I could. Disturbing.
they testing a new setup for there own Blair Witch project
I know! Doesn't the camera have a flip out screen so that he can watch it without having it right up to his face???
It is really annoying.
This thing kind of looks like a roller skate in the picture.
So when does robocop crash the party?
a lollerskate?
Oh man those look like modified AirCasts.... I myself have had the pleasure of being in one for going on 8 weeks now.
I think he's wearing Aircasts so that he has something to attach the device to.
@Jeremy K, I think it's also (or more) to immobilize his ankles.
aside: What's amazing to me is that I have friends that stomp around like that without any physical handicaps. You'd think they were the Billy Goats Gruff if they lived in the apartment above you.
I loved everything about this video. From the neglected yard work to the camera man breathing heavily. This is what I imagine Orson Welle's home movies to be like.
lol....ah man thanks for that
That karate kick at the end was an important demonstration to include.
I wasn't going to watch the movie until I read your comment.
Maybe this dude should spend a little less time working in the lab and a little more time working with a weedwacker in that jungle-like back yard.
I know, seriously. And if you consider your backyard "terrain" and it's not specifically styled like that, you need some serious help.
Yeah, because I'd rather him have a neat lawn than develop a revolutionary product for amputees.
@Jeremy
There is such a thing as balance. Spending a little more time mowing his friggin' amazon rain forest back yard doesn't mean he can't still do his job.
Then again, maybe he purposely let it grow so he could test this technology in a "harsh" environment....
lawns are boring and resource wasteful anyway; he should plant some native stuff / wildflowers / vegetables. that kinda thing
If you think that's the amazon rain forest back yard, well actually, now that I think about it, that is what large portions of the amazon rain forest are going to look like after all the clear cut logging and slash burn farming.
When someone says rain forest, I imagine trees growing many stories high, creating a massive canopy of green above, and all around me.
My yard looks much worse, the grass is over a foot high now, and 50 trees to take care of aloing my property line, drive way, and dot a few points in between. I'm glad I work seven days a week though, that stuff is more important than my "amazon rain forest".
This prototype is very amazing, the gait and movement for many below the knee amputees would be natural, if not near perfection.
Catch some more videos here.
http://www.tensegrityprosthetics.com/invest.html
You done good, J.R.
This is awesome news, I have severe club foot with an ankle that has slipped out of place. I'd give this a shot. Gotta get rid of the foot first. I bet he knows some pretty darn good Orthopedic doctors. Where do I sign up?
People with unclean yards do werk to make life easier.
Tensegrity prosthetic foot promises to make walkin easier....getting laid impossible......
i just read about this in Pop Sci!!!
I’m thinking about getting metal legs. It’s a risky operation, but it’ll be worth it.
Cool... I am totally baffled as to how it was as natural looking as it was.
(A random person off the street could hold a camera steadier, though. Good thing the guy isn't trying to get a job as a landscaper or a camera man.)
Watchaah!
From amputee to ninja in 30 seconds or your honor back!
Was walking that difficult before?
I DARE anyone to walk down streets with that.
I DARE anyone to walk down streets with no feet.
One word: Iron Man