Technology has taken another big step forward thanks to the Italian Institute of Technology (IIT) in Genoa, which presented SoftFoot Pro, a revolutionary prosthesis designed to simulate the flexibility and functionality of the human foot. This innovation will not only improve the lives of people with amputations, but will also open up new possibilities for future robots.
SoftFoot Pro It was shown to the public for the first time during the G7 Health Summit in Genoain the presence of the Minister of Health, Orazio Schillaci. Manuel G. Catalanoa researcher at the IIT SoftBots Laboratory, explained the idea behind the prosthesis: “Observing people with prosthetic feet and humanoid robots walking in our laboratories, we noticed a less than fluid gait also due to the characteristic flat and rigid sole of the feet of both”.
An innovation for everyone
The SoftFoot Pro prosthesis was developed by the Soft Robotics for Human Cooperation and Rehabilitation unit in collaboration with the Centro E. Piaggio of the University of Pisa. It is composed of a titanium arch mechanismwith ends connected by five plastic chains that simulate the bone structure of the human foot. This structure is crossed longitudinally by a cable and connected at the heel.
One of the most noteworthy features of SoftFoot Pro is the presence of elastic components which join the artificial parts of the tarsus, metatarsus and phalanges, constituting the equivalent of the plantar fascia of the human foot. This architecture allows to replicate the natural behavior of the foot, making the use of the prosthesis more comfortable and natural.
The elastic components of the SoftFoot Pro not only provide flexibility, but also absorb the impact of the foot with the ground, reducing stress on the joints. Catalano explained that The elastic bands can absorb between 10% and 50% of the gait cycle. In addition, the arching movements of the sole and the instep, together with the flexibility of the toes, facilitate daily gestures such as going up and down stairs, bending down to tie a shoelace or picking up objects from the floor.
Testing and future developments
The SoftFoot Pro prosthesis weighs approximately 450 grams, can withstand a load of up to 100 kg and is completely waterproof. It is currently being tested at the Hannover Medical School in Germany and the Medical University of Vienna in Austria, as well as in various European projects, including the ERC Synergy: Natural Bionics initiative.
Catalano stressed that “the device is being tested in the laboratory and in realistic contexts to evaluate its performance and possible future developments”. The research team is working to optimise weight, size and energy efficiencyand the introduction of motors designed to further improve the fluidity of walking, both in prosthetic applications and for humanoid robots.
IIT: A Promising Future
The introduction of SoftFoot Pro represents an important step towards the integration of technologies advanced in the daily lives of people with disabilities. It not only offers a significant improvement in the quality of life for those who use prosthetics, but also opens new avenues for the development of humanoid robots that are more efficient and natural in their movements.
The research and development of these advanced technologies show how collaboration between different institutions can lead to innovations that benefit the entire society. With SoftFoot Prothe future looks brighter for those who need prosthetics and for robots that may one day walk among us.
SoftFoot Pro It’s not just a prosthetic; it’s a revolution in assistive technology. While the testing and development phase continues, expectations for the future are high. This innovation brings us ever closer to a world where prosthetics are not just substitutes, but real natural extensions of the human body.
What do you think the future holds for prosthetic technology? Share your thoughts in the comments!
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