[Tyler]

Artificial Ankle Recycles Energy, Restores Function
     






 
A microprocessor-controlled

artificial foot
can capture part of the energy normally dissipated during walking motion
and recycle it to aid walking
according to researchers at Delft University and University of Michigan.
A conventional prosthesis can increase energy expenditure by 23% over
healthy walking,
but this new device can reduce that cost to 14% resulting in a much more
natural
walking style with much less effort.
Energy is captured passively using a spring, then a pair of micromotors
controlled by a microprocessor releases the energy at the optimum time,
then resets the device for the next step.  A small battery powers the
active components.


   

http://robots.net/article/2991.html