Artificial smart leg developed by Russion-American cooperationNew York 16 November 2000 Former Russian nuclear scientists are working together with the US Sandia lab on a project to research, design and develop an advanced 'smart leg.' Using a combination of microprocessors, hydraulic joints and electric motors, the leg will simulate a human leg on a wide range of terrain. The plan is to have the new prosthetic device available for use within 2 years.
According to Reuters, the work is being done by both Sandia and the Russians based in the Chelyabinsk 70 nuclear weapons lab .
The project goal is the development of an active prosthetic technology, using sensors at strategic points along the leg to reduce the amount of strain and energy the user needs to walk on irregular terrain while minimizing the risk of falling.
One of the other actvities is working on a new regularly self-adjusting socket for the leg to fit into, one that would reduce pressure sores resulting from the rubbing of the prosthetic against the amputee's contact limb.
The joint Russian- American project is funded by the DOE's Initiatives for Proliferation Prevention, which puts scientists who had formerly been involved in the nuclear arms race to work on humanitarian projects.
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