SoftFoot Pro - The motorless flexible artificial foot

 

 

 

SoftFoot Pro: The Motorless Flexible Artificial Foot
The SoftFoot Pro is an innovative prosthetic foot designed by the Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT) to closely replicate the anatomy and biomechanics of the human foot. This motorless and flexible prosthetic aims to provide enhanced mobility, stability, and comfort for individuals with limb loss.

Key Features

• Anatomical Design: The SoftFoot Pro mimics the structure of the human foot using five parallel chains of high-strength plastic segments. These segments replicate the phalanges (toe bones) and metatarsals (bones running from the base of the toes to the heel), connected by elastic connectors.
• Energy Storage and Release: The prosthetic includes a titanium arch mechanism that functions similarly to the plantar fascia in the human foot. This mechanism stores energy when the foot bends at the toes during a step and releases it when the foot lifts off the ground, aiding in forward propulsion and energy efficiency.
• Flexibility and Adaptability: Unlike rigid prostheses, the SoftFoot Pro can deform to adapt to uneven terrains and obstacles, improving stability and natural gait. It can absorb 10% to 50% of impact energy, reducing stress on the user's body.
• Waterproof Construction: The prosthetic is designed to be waterproof, making it suitable for various outdoor activities, including walking on meadows, beaches, and slippery surfaces.

Clinical and Robotic Applications

• Human Trials: The SoftFoot Pro has been tested by individuals with unilateral lower limb amputations in clinical trials conducted at Hannover Medical School and the Medical University of Vienna. These trials aim to validate its performance and durability in real-world scenarios.
• Robotic Testing: The prosthetic has also been tested on the Anymal quadruped robot at ETH Zurich and the HRP-4 humanoid robot at the University of Tokyo, demonstrating its potential for use in robotics.

Conclusion

The SoftFoot Pro represents a significant advancement in prosthetic technology, offering a more natural and adaptable solution for people with limb loss. Its ability to mimic the human foot's biomechanics and improve stability on challenging surfaces makes it a promising innovation in both prosthetics and robotics.