Tensegrity prosthetic foot promises to make walking easier

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.

[Lowest Ranked @ Jun 20th 2008 5:48PM]

If this is considered a gadget, then I want one.

[ishism @ Jun 20th 2008 7:53PM]

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.

[gad get @ Jun 21st 2008 7:17PM]

Tennis balls, huh? That sounds... practical.

[aMac @ Jun 20th 2008 5:51PM]

Sorry, I was distracted by the slightly-creepy sounding, mouth-breathing camera man.

[Lowest Ranked @ Jun 20th 2008 6:02PM]

Explain, just how does one breathe a mouth?

[gad get @ Jun 20th 2008 6:10PM]

You don't wanna know.

[MikeG @ Jun 20th 2008 6:33PM]

Think; Jeepers Creepers.

[Reader @ Jun 20th 2008 6:45PM]

The breathing was a little odd though. Either the camera man is 600 pounds or he just got done running. .

[Chas @ Jun 21st 2008 3:18AM]

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.

[Jerome @ Jun 20th 2008 8:48PM]

they testing a new setup for there own Blair Witch project

[Asha @ Jun 21st 2008 1:08PM]

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.

[cibrlx01 @ Jun 20th 2008 5:52PM]

This thing kind of looks like a roller skate in the picture.

So when does robocop crash the party?

[phanbouy @ Jun 20th 2008 6:03PM]

a lollerskate?

[Rafer @ Jun 20th 2008 6:03PM]

Oh man those look like modified AirCasts.... I myself have had the pleasure of being in one for going on 8 weeks now.

[Jeremy K. @ Jun 20th 2008 7:09PM]

I think he's wearing Aircasts so that he has something to attach the device to.

[austin @ Jun 20th 2008 10:14PM]

@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.

[RC @ Jun 20th 2008 6:09PM]

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.

[Joel Stephen @ Jun 20th 2008 6:34PM]

lol....ah man thanks for that

[gad get @ Jun 20th 2008 6:18PM]

That karate kick at the end was an important demonstration to include.

[Reader @ Jun 20th 2008 6:44PM]

I wasn't going to watch the movie until I read your comment.

[Golferal @ Jun 20th 2008 6:36PM]

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.

[Brad @ Jun 20th 2008 6:47PM]

I know, seriously. And if you consider your backyard "terrain" and it's not specifically styled like that, you need some serious help.

[Jeremy K. @ Jun 20th 2008 7:03PM]

Yeah, because I'd rather him have a neat lawn than develop a revolutionary product for amputees.

[Golferal @ Jun 20th 2008 7:10PM]

@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....

[phanbouy @ Jun 20th 2008 10:20PM]

lawns are boring and resource wasteful anyway; he should plant some native stuff / wildflowers / vegetables. that kinda thing

[skulldriveshaft @ Jun 21st 2008 3:58AM]

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.

[SOOPERGOOMAN @ Jun 20th 2008 6:51PM]

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.

[electron @ Jun 20th 2008 7:03PM]

i just read about this in Pop Sci!!!

[brian Nesbitt @ Jun 20th 2008 7:03PM]

Tensegrity prosthetic foot promises to make walkin easier....getting laid impossible......

[THJ @ Jun 20th 2008 7:23PM]

I’m thinking about getting metal legs. It’s a risky operation, but it’ll be worth it.

[Leo @ Jun 20th 2008 7:38PM]

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.)

[Grey Acumen @ Jun 20th 2008 8:55PM]

Watchaah!

From amputee to ninja in 30 seconds or your honor back!

[ECG @ Jun 20th 2008 10:30PM]

Was walking that difficult before?

[Maverick Saturn @ Jun 21st 2008 11:04AM]

I DARE anyone to walk down streets with that.

[gad get @ Jun 21st 2008 7:21PM]

I DARE anyone to walk down streets with no feet.

[Nelson @ Jun 23rd 2008 10:26PM]

One word: Iron Man