A UK firm called Blatchford has released the ‘Linx Limb‘, the first prosthetic limb with integrated robotic control of the knee and foot.
The integrated system allows the knee and ankle joints to work together, mimicking the fluid motion that is seen in a non-prosthetic limb. Although it’s expensive compared to other currently available prosthetic limbs, Blatchford is hopeful that it will be more economical in the long run by reducing long-term costs associated with falls and back pain.
As reported in a BBC story, the Linx Limb made the shortlist for the MacRobert Award, which is given every year by the Royal Academy of Engineering.