Abstract: An exoskeleton device is disclosed. The exoskeleton device comprises a Bowden cable, a shank portion comprising a strut, and a foot portion coupled to the shank portion by a rotational joint. The foot portion comprises a heel lever and a pulley attached to the heel lever, wherein the strut of the shank portion is configured to redirect the Bowden cable toward the pulley, wherein the pulley is configured to redirect the Bowden cable back toward the shank portion, and wherein the Bowden cable is configured to generate torque by pulling the pulley. The exoskeleton device further comprises a midsole, wherein the midsole is releasably coupled to the lever, and wherein the midsole is configured to transmit force to a foot of a user.

Abstract: The present invention includes two embodiments of a tethered ankle-foot prosthesis, one with a single toe to provide plantarflexion and with two independently-actuated toes that are coordinated to provide plantarflexion and inversion-eversion torques. An end-effector was designed which is worn by a subject, and which was integrated with existing off-board motor and control hardware, to facilitate high bandwidth torque control. The platform is suitable for haptic rendering of virtual devices in experiments with humans, which may reveal strategies for improving balance or allow controlled comparisons of conventional prosthesis features. A similar morphology is also effective for autonomous devices.

Abstract: The present invention includes a tethered ankle-foot prosthesis emulator having two independently-actuated forefoot digits that are coordinated to provide plantarflexion and inversion-eversion torques, and an independently-actuated heel. An end-effector was designed which is worn by a subject, and which was integrated with off-board motor and control hardware, to facilitate high bandwidth torque control. The platform is suitable for haptic rendering of virtual devices in experiments with humans, which may reveal strategies for improving balance or allow controlled comparisons of conventional prosthesis features. A similar morphology is also effective for autonomous devices.