Paul --

It sounds like you should sleep more.

Anyway, I think that robotic stuff is, like, in serious beta testing...like maybe there's one or two of them in existence.

js

I saw a video of it and it allows an AKA to walk UP stairs normally because it is powered. Unfortunately, it makes an awful lot of noise. Think of some cheesy movie sound effect for a robot or some electronic device like a door opening slowly. I think it would be cool to walk upstairs normally again, but not at that cost. Talk about drawing attention! I'd rather have people think (IF THEY EVEN SEE ME) "hmm, he has some sort of leg issue," as I walk up one leg at a time, rather than make that noise and have EVERYONE look and think WTF?

Rich

www.ossur.com/bionictechn...

Rich is right. It was made by a Canadian company. It is a good start but the development needs work it is noisey and heavy (20lbs with socket vs 13 ish with a C-leg) and about 120K. Everyone I have seen use it hitch when they walk with it. Way too soon to jump on this one. They are doing work on it at Walter Reed.

Yes, I am familiar with it and have spoken with a number of amputees four or five that wear one. Was at the first fitting of one by the VA about two years ago. Would like to fit one when I find the right candidate.

It has a high learning curve and is best suited to one who is a gamer and has time to spend learning how to use it. Like learn a new computer program. You cannot just put it on and walk like with other knee systems as this one is dynamic not passive. I have the programming software for it on my computer.