A vacuum suspension system includes a prosthetic socket adapted to receive a residual limb. A pump system includes a pump mechanism in fluid communication with the prosthetic socket, and at least one sensor associated with the prosthetic socket and/or the pump mechanism. A control system is operably connected to the pump mechanism and the least one sensor. The control system is arranged to receive and process data from the at least one sensor and to actuate the pump mechanism based on the received data from the at least one sensor.

In order to control at least one adjustable actuator of a connection apparatus to an orthopedic device with tower limbs, actual values of at least two movement parameters of the orthopedic device are continuously acquired by at least two sensors. A functional relationship is established between the sequences of actual values of the at least two movement parameters. This functional relationship is continuously repeatedly compared to functional relationships in the case of defined movement patterns in order to select in each case the movement pattern which fits best to the acquired actual values. Then control signals for the actuator are generated using a sequence of intended values defined for the best-fitting movement pattern.

A system for powering a prosthetic arm is disclosed. The system includes at least one internal battery located in the prosthetic arm, at least one external battery connected to the prosthetic arm, and a master controller configured to connect either the at least one internal battery or the at least one external battery to a power bus to power the prosthetic arm.

Hybrid terrain-adaptive lower-extremity apparatus and methods that perform in a variety of different situations by detecting the terrain that is being traversed, and adapting to the detected terrain. In some embodiments, the ability to control the apparatus for each of these situations builds upon five basic capabilities: (1) determining the activity being performed; (2) dynamically controlling the characteristics of the apparatus based on the activity that is being performed; (3) dynamically driving the apparatus based on the activity that is being performed; (4) determining terrain texture irregularities (e.g., how sticky is the terrain, how slippery is the terrain, is the terrain coarse or smooth, does the terrain have any obstructions, such as rocks) and (5) a mechanical design of the apparatus that can respond to the dynamic control and dynamic drive.

An additive manufacturing method and apparatus for interchangeable local interface support geometry and materials in lower limb prosthetic sockets. An interchangeable local interface prosthetic socket is configured to enable a user of the socket to configure variable support, pressure, and comfort characteristics of lower limb prosthetic sockets by selectively replacing an interface panel and/or distal cup with an alternative interface panel and/or distal cup being configured to have different physical characteristics.

A stretchable electronic device for artificial skin and a method of manufacturing the same are disclosed. The stretchable electronic device for artificial skin includes a first encapsulation layer, a heater disposed on the first encapsulation layer, a second encapsulation layer disposed on the heater, a first sensor array layer disposed on the second encapsulation layer, and a third encapsulation layer disposed on the first sensor array layer.

A system for powering a prosthetic arm is disclosed. The system includes at least one internal battery located in the prosthetic arm, at least one external battery connected to the prosthetic arm, and a master controller configured to connect either the at least one internal battery or the at least one external battery to a power bus to power the prosthetic arm.

A robotic assembly control system is disclosed. The robotic assembly control system includes an exoskeleton apparatus adapted to be worn by a user, at least one robotic assembly, the at least one robotic assembly controlled by the user by way of the exoskeleton, and at least one mobile platform, the at least one mobile platform controlled by the user and wherein the at least one robotic assembly is attached to the at least one mobile platform.

An apparatus for achieving a best possible prosthetic fit in a prosthesis system for an amputee includes a sensor array embedded in a gel like substance slipped over a residual limb in a socket configuration with respect to a prosthesis system. Such an apparatus can also include data collection and transmission mechanism such as a microcontroller that communicates with the sensor array and which data from the sensor array to a computing device for processing and interpretation of the data in order to statically and dynamically assess a quality of fit of the prosthesis system for the amputee.

A system for powering a prosthetic arm is disclosed. The system includes at least one internal battery located in the prosthetic arm, at least one external battery connected to the prosthetic arm, and a master controller configured to connect either the at least one Internal battery or the at least one external battery to a power bus to power the prosthetic arm.