Oklahoma City company awarded computer-controlled ankle patent
Posted: Monday, June 12, 2006
Through funding from the Oklahoma Center for the Advancement for Science and Technology, Martin Bionics has been awarded a patent for their computer controlled ankle
Technology, the company announced June 12.
Martin Bionics is a leading prosthetics research and development company located in Oklahoma City . They specialize in advanced technology designed to mimic the human body. For additional information on the Martin BionicsComputer Controlled Ankle please visit www.MartinBionics.com.
OCAST has funded $573,000 toward the development of a Computer Controlled Ankle. Aided by an advanced artificial intelligence program and microprocessor control system, this device functions much like how the brain controls the anatomical ankle. While prior prosthetic devices have allowed for basic performance, such as walking, these technologies remain limited in
their functional abilities.
Current artificial limb devices are restricted by where and how they can be used. Patients with lower limb amputations, such as those missing a foot or ankle, battle with a limited ability to walk on uneven terrain, retain balance, and use stairs. The amputee often requires two separate prosthetic devices in order to change between running and walking. Martin Bionics' new design challenges these pre-existing limitations of other ankle models.
With this patented computer ankle joint, amputees can locate their foot in space, in essence, feel their foot. The Martin Bionics design combines both increased energy walking efficiency and ground accommodation in order to serve the amputee with a greater freedom of movement. Thus, an amputee fitted with this technology is better able to walk, balance body weight, and move along various terrains.
"This design grants a greater sense of security and confidence to the amputee. Functioning at a higher level, walking with a smoother step and dressing without limits will provide the patient with greater self confidence," said Jay Martin, vice president of research and development.
In addition, the visual aspects of the ankle device are improved. Amputees will have adjustable ankles capable of different sitting positions and movements. Cosmetic issues, like fashion, will be addressed with a foot and ankle able to actively accommodate many styles of footwear, such as
high-heeled shoes.
Randy Alvarado, President and CEO of Martin Bionics, stated, "Our vision is to bring the patient back to 100 percent functionality through advancement in prosthetic technologies. By way of innovations, such as this ankle system, the patient will be better able to function."
Funding has allowed Martin Bionics the ability to challenge existing technologies. In describing this further, executive director of OCAST, Michael Carolina stated, "Martin Bionics represents the world-class cutting-edge technology conducted by the type of firms that are building Oklahoma 's economic future. Jay Martin has put together a team that continues to reach beyond the boundaries to expand their success."
Their Computer Controlled ankle and research aim to be made commercially available for clinical use within the next two years. While the human body's intricate abilities may never be matched, prosthetic technology strives to develop artificial limbs that mimic human movement, improving the quality of life for the amputee.
OCAST is a small, high-impact agency funded by state appropriations and governed by a board of directors with members from both the private and public sector. OCAST works in partnership with the private sector, higher education, CareerTech and the Oklahoma Department of Commerce.
OCAST-funded research projects are first reviewed by out-of-state science and business experts and ranked according to scientific merit and commercial potential. In this way, OCAST ensures state funds are wisely invested where they will have the most impact. OCAST is the state's only agency whose sole focus is technology - its development, transfer and commercialization.
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Martin Bionics, a company based out of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, was awarded the patent to a computer-controlled ankle.  The  Oklahoma Center for the Advancement for Science and Technology funded $573,000 towards the development of the device.

The computer-controlled ankle functions similar to how the brain controls a real human ankle.  Although prosthetic ankles allowed for some basic performance, the technologies remained limited in where and how they may be used.

Vice president of research and development, Jay Martin, said "This design grants a greater sense of security and confidence to the amputee. Functioning at a higher level, walking with a smoother step and dressing without limits will provide the patient with greater self confidence."

Martin Bionics plans to have the ankle commercially available within the next two years.