Apr 3 : Researchers at the Biomechatronics Lab at MIT in Cambridge, US, have developed a bionic foot and ankle that mimics the biomechanical behaviour of a normal human foot throughout the walking cycle and over a variety of terrain.

The limb consists of an artificial shin and foot connected via a powered, rotating ankle joint. A motor within the ankle varies factors such as the angle of the foot, the stiffness of the joint and the force absorbed and released during each step.

Researchers say this allows the limb to match the performance of a human foot when walking on a flat surface and even when climbing or descending stairs.

According to the New Scientist, the prosthetic feet should feel more natural to a wearer and should also adapt to different terrain, such as a flight of stairs, without requiring extra effort. (ANI)