A New Way to Walk: Flexible and Light Knee Prosthetics

Imagine losing your leg above the knee and needing a prosthetic. Traditional knees aren't perfect. They might be heavy, stiff, or uncomfortable. Scientists thought soft materials could help, but they're often too flexible to work well. So, what's the solution? Meet the new origami-inspired prosthetic knee. It combines clever folding (like origami) and design ideas from nature. This smart knee is light, compact, cheap, and easy to make. It's also strong enough to bear a person's weight—even over 75 kg!

This knee can flex like a real one and absorb shocks while walking, making it more comfortable. It even helps users tackle ramps, stairs, and obstacles with ease. Tests showed it can handle up to 17. 3% more impact forces than regular ones. Scientists tested this new knee on tables and during walking. The results were impressive and could change how we think about lower limb prosthetics.

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