A bionic knee restores natural movement

MIT researchers have developed a bionic knee that integrates directly with muscle and bone tissue, aiding individuals with above-the-knee amputations in walking faster, climbing stairs, and navigating obstacles more easily than with traditional prostheses. The new system, anchored to the bone and controlled by the nervous system, offers improved stability and functionality. In a small clinical study, participants reported better performance in tasks like stair climbing and a stronger sense of the limb being part of their body compared to traditional prostheses. The technology will require larger trials for FDA approval, a process expected to take around five years.