A Smart Bionic Leg Brace
Syamantak Payra
Friendswood, TX
Age 16
A versatile smart bionic leg brace was developed that can restore natural walking gait in individuals with multiple sclerosis, stroke and poliomyelitis by assisting wearers in bending the leg. A conventional fixed brace was retrofitted with an electromechanical actuator that substitutes for a lack of muscle function. Advanced algorithms were created that allow the smart bionic leg brace to assist in sitting/standing, ascending/descending stairs/ramps, entering/exiting vehicles, and intelligently adapt to the user's walking speed and gait over any terrain. Voice-control functionality was integrated into a smartwatch/smartphone app to facilitate ease of use.