The First Artificial Foot That Moves Like a Human Foot | Festina Lente - Your leading source of AI news | Turtles AI

 SOFTFOOT PRO : IT’S THE FIRST PROSTHESIS THATSIMULATES HUMAN FOOT MOVEMENT

Genoa, Italy - Recently unveiled at a G7 Health-related event, SoftFoot Pro represents a revolution in the field of prosthetics and humanoid robotics. This innovative prosthesis was developed by researchers at the Italian Institute of Technology (IIT) to mimic the flexibility and adaptability of the human foot, making walking more natural and smooth for people with amputations and for robots.

The Natural Walking Challenge

Manuel G. Catalano, a researcher at IIT’s SoftBots Laboratory, explained how observing the rigid movements of people with prosthetics and humanoid robots highlighted the need for a more flexible solution. The traditional rigid, flat structure of artificial and robotic feet fails to adapt to changes in slope and surface, limiting the fluidity of movements.

 The Behind SoftFoot Pro Technology

Designed by the Soft Robotics for Human Cooperation and Rehabilitation unit in collaboration with the E. Piaggio University of Pisa, SoftFoot Pro uses a titanium arch mechanism. The ends of this arch are connected by five chains of plastic material, which simulate the bone structure of the human foot. A cable runs longitudinally through these chains, connecting them to the heel.

A distinctive aspect of SoftFoot Pro is the inclusion of elastic components that replicate the tarsus, metatarsus and phalanges, similar to the plantar fascia of the human foot. This architecture allows the prosthesis to absorb impact and adapt to the natural movements of the foot, such as arching of the sole and dorsum and flexibility of the toes, facilitating everyday actions such as climbing and descending stairs or stooping to pick up objects.

 Testing and Future Developments

Currently, SoftFoot Pro is being tested at Hannover Medical School in Germany and at the Medical University of Vienna in Austria. It is also part of several European projects, including the ERC Synergy: Natural Bionics initiative. Catalano pointed out that the device is being evaluated in both laboratory and realistic settings to improve its performance.

Researchers are working to optimize SoftFoot Pro’s weight, size and energy efficiency, as well as developing specific motors to further improve fluidity of movement. The prosthesis, which is completely waterproof and weighs about 450 grams, is designed to support loads of up to 100 kilograms.

 Implications for the Future

The introduction of SoftFoot Pro marks a significant step not only for people with amputations, but also for the advancement of humanoid robotics. The ability to simulate natural foot behavior could transform the way robots interact with the environment, overcoming one of the major current obstacles in the field of robotics.

With continued evolution and ongoing testing, SoftFoot Pro could be a decisive breakthrough in improving the quality of life for many people and developing more advanced and functional robots.