ISRO develops microprocessor-controlled smart limbs Home
Sep 23, 2022
As a spin-off of Space technology, ISRO develops an intelligent artificial limb likely to be commercialised soon, expectedly cheaper by about ten times, benefitting above-knee amputees to walk with a comfortable gait. These ‘microprocessor-controlled knees (MPKs)’ offer extended capabilities for the amputee than those offered by the passive limbs that do not use the microprocessors. Thus far, a 1.6 kg MPK has enabled an amputee to walk about 100 m in the corridor with minimum support. Efforts to improvise the performance are underway.
These smart MPKs are being developed by Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), ISRO under an MoU with National Institute for Locomotor disabilities (NILD), Pt. Deendayal Upadhyaya National Institute for Persons with Physical Disabilities (Divyangjan) (PDUNIPPD (D)), and Artificial Limb Manufacturing Corporation of India (ALIMCO).
Configuration and working
An MPK consists of a microprocessor, hydraulic damper, load & knee angle sensors, composite knee-case, Li-ion battery, electrical harness, and interface elements. The microprocessor detects the state of gait based on the sensor data. The control software estimates the real-time damping needed to attain the desired gait by changing the stiffness of the system that is achieved by a hydraulic damper operated by a DC motor. Walking parameters specific to amputees can be set using PC-based software to improve one’s comfort. The interface plots the parameters in real time during walking.
Development of the system
The development of MPK was a multi-disciplinary, multi-stage activity. After arriving at a configuration based on the literature, validating it through kinematics analysis for estimating the sub-system requirements, multiple models of the system were developed. The feasibility of the design was verified using an engineering model. The system consisted of an aluminium knee case, a solenoid valve-based damper, and a six-axis load cell. While the next engineering model included a stepper motor-based damper and composite knee case, the subsequent model utilised DC motor-based damper with a spool position sensor, pylon integrated load cell, miniaturised control electronics, and a Graphical user interface for parameter tuning.
Testing and walking trials at VSSC
The sub-systems of the limb, viz. hydraulic damper, control electronics, and load cell, were tested and characterised in stand-alone mode, using customised setups. An ingenious method was conceived for conducting the walking trials with non-amputee involving a custom-designed exo-socket realised for the purpose. Multiple walking trials conducted with non-amputee enabled the updating of the control software and fine-tuning of the parameters.
Walking trails with amputees at NILD
With the clearance of the Joint Project Monitoring Committee (JPMC), the device was tested with an amputee, identified by NILD for conducting walking trials. The trials were conducted at NILD lab jointly by NILD and VSSC. The socket and fitment of MPK to amputee were realised NILD. VSSC tuned amputee-specific parameters. Initial walking trials were conducted with the support of parallel bars. Subsequently, the amputee could walk about 100 m in the corridor with minimum support. All the sub-systems of the knee performed satisfactorily.
Further plans
MPKs currently available commercially in India are imported and range from Rs. 10 Lakh to Rs. 60 Lakhs, depending on the complexity and functionality. MPKs being developed, once commercialised, are expected to cost around Rs. 4 Lakh to Rs. 5 Lakh. Optimisation of MPKs in terms of mass and envelope size is underway. More intelligence is being incorporated into the system to help the amputee walk through uneven terrains with advanced features for more comfort.