An amputee walking with the artificial leg | Photo: Mathrubhumi
Thiruvananthapuram: ISRO has designed an artificial leg fitted with a microchip for amputees. If this artificial leg designed with the help of various agencies can be manufactured commercially, then it can be sold for one-eleventh of the present cost. Using the artificial leg which was designed at Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre in Thiruvananthapuram, an amputee was able to walk for 100 meters without any hassle. The experiments to make the artificial leg equipped with more features are also underway.
The artificial leg consists of a microprocessor, hydraulic damper, censors, case, lithium iron battery, and DC motor. Gait can be adjusted as per the user’s needs using designated software.
The artificial limb was designed by ISRO after forming a contract with the National Institute for Locomotor Disabilities, Pt Deendayal Upadhyaya National Institute for Persons with Physical Disabilities, and Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Corporation Of India. An artificial leg costs around Rs 10 to 60 lakh at present. By manufacturing the ISRO-developed artificial legs commercially, they can be sold for Rs 4 to 5 lakh.
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