Software customizes powered prosthetics to reduce trips to the doctor

The Breakthrough

North Carolina State University and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill biomedical researchers have developed a software that will allow the automatic tuning of power prosthetics on their own. These individuals came up with an algorithm which can be used with the software of any powered prosthesis to make it tune in automatically to the amount of power needed for a limb to operate comfortably. This algorithm allows patients to walk much easier while also adjusts itself to the changing conditions of their patient.

The Implications

This new development will make these devices even more useful while also lowers the costs that are associated with powered prosthetic usage. It also eliminates the need for a regular prosthetist checkup intended for the tuning of a person's prosthetics in order to account for their physical condition.