• Users can walk naturally without feeling awkward. The Intelligent Knee was the world’s first computerized knee. At each step, the microprocessor monitors the user’s walking speed, and automatically controls the swing speed of the knee joint.
  • ▶ Four-bar linkage mechanism
    The four-bar linkage mechanism provides geometric stability and also enables a more anatomically natural motion, similar to the motion of an actual knee joint. And, when the user sits on a chair, because the knee does not stick out much, outward appearance is more natural.
  • ▶ Microprocessor controlled swing
    　Pneumatic cylinder
    Microprocessor control works by monitoring walking speed and automatically adjusting the swing speed of the knee joint. This enables the user to freely change walking speed.
  • Microprocessor controlled swing: the benefits

    ● Response to speed variation at each step; the user can alter walking speed at will.
    ● Up to 10 levels of speed settings are programmable.
    ● Thanks to soft initiation of the swing phase and microprocessor control, users can walk comfortably and safely.
    ● Redesign of the circuit board extended battery life to approximately 2 years (products made since 2005). No recharging is required.
    ● If the battery runs out, the microprocessor sets the system to normal walking speed, allowing the user to continue walking, as with an ordinary pneumatic cylinder system, at a fixed speed.
    ● You save time at battery replacement because no reprogramming is required.
  • More information about microprocessor controlled swing

    ▶ The knee action is programmed using the “teaching & playback” method. The knee joint is taught the relationship between the specific user’s walking speed and the corresponding repulsive force, that is, how much power to apply with the pneumatic cylinder. When the prosthetic leg is first fitted, three baseline data sets are collected for the user’s slow, normal, and fast walking speed. Then, using the baseline data, the knee joint is automatically programmed with up to 10 different speed settings . With this controllability, it becomes possible to walk without awkwardness in daily life. Moreover, the work load on the residual leg muscles is lessened; this relieves the burden of the user. In addition, combined operation with a pneumatic cylinder provides smooth and easy control. This enables the user to walk with a comfortable and more natural-looking gait.