Robot feet simulate perfect human movement

Currently, the replacement of parts like prosthetics for people with disabilities has made significant progress, thanks to the development of science. However, most of these parts are passive devices, especially prosthetic devices, often using an elastic mechanism (like a spring), compressing at the beginning of the movement and relaxation step. The output creates a small impact force on the next step. Therefore the movements are quite awkward and difficult to walk completely normally.

Recently, however, scientists from Vrije Universiteit Brussels, Belgium have successfully studied a device that can completely simulate human foot movement, which they call AMP-Foot . The latest version of this device is AMP-Foot 2.0, with many outstanding improvements that can help people with disabilities to walk completely normally.

This device has extremely flexible joints, using a powertrain that is capable of storing energy, capable of generating power when needed depending on the sensors. AMP-Foot 2.0 has a pair of load cells, one in the toe and one in the heel, which is responsible for analyzing the position and activity of the foot from which to determine the power of support when you walk. This device also has the ability to store energy every time you move your foot up toward the shin in every step.

Although using a more complex powertrain, AMP-Foot 2.0 is quite light, weighing only about 2.5kg. However, the device has the ability to regenerate 100% of the strength of a healthy foot, which can help a person over 80 kg move completely normal on flat ground. Moreover, AMP-Foot consumes a relatively low amount of electricity, only about 30-60W.

AMP-Foot 2.0 devices not only open the future for people with disabilities to function like normal people. But its movement mechanism can set the stage for scientists to continue research and application and human-shaped robotic models. In a field not far away, the robots will have flexible, agile steps and gestures no different from a normal person.

Reference: Gizmag