Smart prosthetic ankle can adapt to uneven ground

It moves in the style of a real ankle.

Prosthetic limbs have evolved considerably from the rudimentary wooden appendages of just a few decades ago. They can be bionic, brain-controlled and loaded with features -- and even mimic the sense of touch. But they're still a way off truly replicating the real thing, largely because of issues imitating the many subtle movements and sensations that come naturally to real limbs. Now, however, a new prosthetic ankle is overcoming these challenges.

Unlike existing prosthetic ankles, which work to passively absorb shock via springs and padding, the prototype can adapt to different ground surfaces and the way its user walks. And, it moves on its own in the style of a real ankle, controlling the tilt of the foot, lifting the big toe away from the ground and managing unstable or irregular surfaces.