Mobility Aid

If the socket of a prosthetic leg doesn't conform to the contours of the user's leg stump, pain and even skin ulcers may result. A new prosthesis should help keep that from happening, by automatically pumping up its socket to maintain a good fit.

In the advanced stages of Parkinson's disease, some people develop a condition known as "gait freeze," in which they temporarily lose the ability to step forward. NexStride is designed to help, though, by giving them a laser target for their feet.

Taking inspiration from the traditional cane, a team of researchers has come up with a LiDAR-enabled robotic assistant which offers light-touch support for the mobility-impaired. Dubbed Canine, the device improves the user's spacial self-awareness, and thus, their walking stability.

New technologies could play a vital part in improving how the visually impaired navigate their day-to-day lives. Ideas like connected walking canes and high-tech glasses are gathering some real momentum, as are smart bands like the Sunu launching this month.

In the past we've seen experimental one-off canes that detected obstacles via ultrasound, or which allowed their users to locate people that they know. While the iCane can't do either of those things, it is possibly headed for production – and it does still have some handy tricks up its sleeve.

Prosthetic and orthotic devices can help patients regain mobility and limb function, but the process takes time and labor. U-M researchers are developing a system that uses 3D printing to create assistive devices that are better tailored to each individual in less than a day.

For folks who have limited mobility, often all that's needed is a little something to lessen the amount of walking that they have to do. A number of lightweight folding electric wheelchairs have emerged to serve that market. One of the latest, the Zinger, is also reportedly the lightest.

The Flex Leg is a hands-free mobility prosthetic for injuries.

The shape-shifting Boomer mobility aid can be a shopping cart, a comfy seat or a walking frame which can be used to maneuver safely up and down stairs.