ROLEG: a 3-IN-1 Robotic Leg Prosthesis for Above-Knee Amputees

Authors

  • Jarell Ralf Halili
  • Paj Keifel Guliman

Keywords:

Arduino-based, Gyro sensors, Leg Prosthesis, Above-knee Amputees

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

Amputation is the intentional surgical removal of a limb or any body part. It is projected that the incidence of amputation in the Philippines will more than double by the year 2050 to 3.6 million. To help the above-knee amputees fulfill their daily needs, leg prosthesis is prescribed. Conventional leg prostheses are intended usually for one specific function: for walking purposes only. However, there is a need specifically for above-knee amputees to perform other movements aside from walking, such as bending or brisk walking. Due to the limitation of leg prosthesis, the researchers developed a Roleg, a 3-in-1 robotic leg prosthesis for above-knee amputees.

 

METHODS

In the fabrication of Roleg, Gyro sensors were integrated and the Arduino UNO was programmed. The other components were assembled in the component box. The robotic leg prosthesis was then worn on the amputated leg. There were buttons for each mode: normal-paced walking, bending, and brisk walking. For normal-walking mode, the robotic leg functioned in forward and backward stance phase. For bending, the motor served as a knee joint in order for the robotic leg to bend in any given angle. For brisk walking, the robotic leg functioned just like the walking mode but in faster phase.

 

RESULTS

The robotic leg prosthesis was tested in terms of its accuracy, response time, and acceptability. For the accuracy, 18 out of 20 trials (90%) were performed correctly in normal-paced walking and brisk walking mode while 17 out of 20 trials (85%) in the bending mode. The average response time of normal-paced walking mode was 1.6s, 1.8s for the brisk walking mode and 1.4s for the bending mode.Based on the 5-point Likert Scale, the robotic leg prosthesis was highly acceptable without revision when it comes to functionality, safety and aesthetics. When it comes to durability and comfortability, it was very acceptable with one or two revision/s.

 

DISCUSSIONS

Roleg is equipped with microprocessor that controls normal-paced walking, brisk walking, knee bending, rechargeable and powered by 15V that could last for 5-6 days, has a foot-angle design for balance, speed, lightweight(1.1 kg) and cheaper(Php 8, 6750.00) than commercial prosthetic leg in the country. This study could greatly help the above-knee amputees and can be a novel solution to the different problems especially when it comes to comfortability and function of the commercial leg prosthesis. This can also be a good source of income by educating certain people on how to fabricate and operate the device.

Published

2019-01-18