UWE Bristol prosthetic to be showcased in Switzerland
A prosthetic leg developed at UWE Bristol is to be showcased at CYBATHLON this week - an international competition in Switzerland, which tests the latest assistive technologies to support people with disabilities.
Amputee Igor Burkovetskyy will wear the limb to take part in a series of timed challenges, including walking on a balance beam, climbing stairs, and navigating hurdles.
The prosthetic is bio-inspired and integrates cutting-edge technologies, such as advanced materials and adaptive mechanisms, to ensure stability, control, and speed.
Mr Burkovetskyy, who has worked closely with the research team over the past six months, said: "As the team's pilot, I’m thrilled to be part of this project.
"The prosthetic leg developed by the team has given me a renewed sense of freedom and possibility. I’m excited to see what we can achieve together at CYBATHLON."
Dr Appolinaire Etoundi, team co-ordinator and a senior lecturer in Mechatronics at UWE, added: "Our project is not just about creating a prosthetic device; it’s about pushing the boundaries of assistive technology and improving amputees’ daily lives.
"The CYBATHLON competition offers us a platform to showcase that we can make the impossible possible for the people who need solutions today and also what’s possible when innovation and human-centred design come together."
He said that taking part in CYBATHLON would offer an opportunity to test and validate the technology, demonstrate its feasibility, attract attention from potential collaborators, and foster interest from key players in the prosthetics industry.
Beyond CYBATHLON, the team is aiming to further refine its prosthetic technology and engage with leading prosthetic companies such as Ottobock and Össur for potential collaborations.
It is also pursuing patent applications for several components, including the socket, bio-inspired knee joint, and ankle joint.