Walking and Running Prosthesis (WARP)

1. Technology Overview 

The invention focuses on a versatile lower limb prosthesis, named Walking and Running Prosthesis (WARP), designed to improve locomotion across both low-impact walking and higher-impact running tasks. The prosthesis actively varies its properties to match different tasks, using semi-active actuation to modify its structure without requiring human-scale power input. The technology is currently in the development stage, with promising cross-industry applications in prosthetics, rehabilitation, and sports equipment. 

2. Key Features and Benefits 

• Versatile Locomotion: Switches between walking and running modes. 

• Semi-Active Actuation: Modifies properties without heavy, noisy motors. 

• Enhanced Mobility: Provides improved versatility compared to passive prostheses. 

• Compatibility: Integrates with existing running-specific prostheses. 

• Scalability: Production processes can be scaled for larger quantities. 

3. Applications and Market Focus 

• Prosthetics: Use in versatile lower limb prosthetic devices. 

• Rehabilitation: Integration into enhanced mobility solutions. 

• Sports Equipment: Development of adaptive devices for athletes. 

• Advanced Mobility Solutions: Use in emerging prosthetics and rehabilitation applications. 

• Medical Devices: Exploitation of semi-active actuation for various applications. 

4. Commercial Advantages 

• Strategic Benefits: Provides reliable and scalable prosthetic devices for various applications. 

• Implementation Advantages: Facilitates integration into existing prosthetics and rehabilitation systems. 

• Market Positioning: Positions technology as a key enabler for advanced mobility solutions. 

• Competitive Advantages: Offers versatile locomotion and semi-active actuation compared to existing methods. 

5. Partnership Opportunities 

• Ideal Licensing Partners: Prosthetics manufacturers, rehabilitation centers, sports equipment companies. 

• Cross-Sector Partnership Benefits: Collaboration opportunities across prosthetics, rehabilitation, and sports equipment industries. 

• Diverse Market Opportunities: Potential for global market expansion in regions with strong prosthetics and rehabilitation industries. 

• Collaborative Development: Opportunities for joint development of hybrid devices and custom fabrication services.