3 Innovations in Bionic Prosthetics: AI and biomechanics

Today, prosthetic feet available on the market still fall short of mimicking human behavior and meeting the real needs of amputees. Over 15 years of research combining advanced robotics, artificial intelligence, and human biomechanics by Axiles Bionics and Brubotics have led to the development of "deeptech" innovations implemented in a bionic foot that will change prosthetics forever.

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Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Deep Learning

During walking, the human brain anticipates actions to move the body appropriately on slopes, stairs, or any other terrain.

Therefore, a prosthesis needs artificial intelligence to mimic human behavior through a machine.

Traditional research can predict very precise events using complex control algorithms. However, these models are effective in a laboratory environment, failing in real-life situations with even minor changes in conditions. The solution lies in integrated deep learning intelligence, creating an artificial neural network through collected data.

This technique allows the bionic foot to detect future actions with incredible precision, such as walking, climbing stairs, etc.

The more data the bionic foot receives, the more precise and efficient it becomes.

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AI and Reinforcement Learning (Deep learning)

Each person has a unique gait, similar to a fingerprint. At Axiles Bionics, the goal is for the prosthesis to adapt to the user, unlike existing devices today.

Reinforcement learning can be likened to a person trying to exit a maze: they must explore, try, and be rewarded by choosing the right path. This is what the bionic foot does with self-learning.

The more actions it performs, the more it improves in those actions, just like a human would.

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Biomechanical Compliant Actuation:

Biomechanics reveal that, during walking, a human knee dissipates energy while an ankle generates a large amount of energy. Both joints function radically differently.

In engineering, various options exist to replicate human movement in lower limbs: using springs where energy can be stored and released, integrating a damper to dissipate energy, or including a motor to generate energy. For prosthetic knees, dampers are perfect to dissipate energy, but they are unsuitable for a prosthetic foot. The human ankle requiring a lot of energy, a motor would weigh 4 kg, which is too heavy and again unsuitable for a prosthesis.

For many, a passive foot is often a better option than a micro-controlled foot. The solution lies in flexible biomechanical actuation, combining springs and motors.

Thus, the foot offers flexibility, safety, and assistance, with bio-inspired mechanics significantly and intelligently reducing motor energy consumption while maintaining a functional device, even with a depleted battery.

With this technological breakthrough, Axiles Bionics paves the way for next-generation bionic prosthetics.