New smart artificial leg created with advanced sensor technology

A new generation of prosthetic limbs is being created by the US Navy to incorporate sensor technology that would enhance the patient's experience.

The US Office of Naval Research is partnering with the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, the Naval Research Laboratory and several universities to create a new smart artificial leg called the Monitoring OsseoIntegrated Prostheses.

It includes a titanium fixture surgically implanted into the thigh bone to provide a better fit, a more fluid gait and reduced discomfort, while a biocompatible sensor array tracks changes in body temperature and pH balance to flag up possible infections.

These sensors can also monitor how well the bone and prosthetic limb fuse together and heal, allowing doctors to speed up the recuperation process, as well as collating data on the prosthetic's strength, how much stress is being placed on it, and any changes to movement and walking gait.

Dr Jerome Lynch, a University of Michigan engineering professor overseeing this new development, said: "Think of it as an extremely specialised Fitbit. This could dramatically improve the recovery and long-term quality of life for patients."

With over 20 years of experience within the service engineering market, we at Zenopa have the knowledge, skills and expertise to help find the right job for you. To find out more about the current service engineering roles we have available, you can search for the latest job roles, register your details, or contact the team today.