Redefining Prosthetic Innovation with the PRO-004 Caplex™ Compatible Pylon Emulator
At Humotech, we’re advancing wearable robotics to new heights with our all-new PRO-004 Pylon Emulator. This groundbreaking tool is designed to replicate axial stiffness behaviors in prosthetic foot users, empowering clinicians and researchers to design, test, and optimize prosthetic solutions like never before.
PRO-004 Pylon Emulator
The Problem: Customizing Prosthetic Foot Performance
Traditional prosthetic foot designs often come with fixed characteristics, limiting the ability to fine-tune devices for each user’s unique needs. Achieving the right balance of shock absorption, stiffness, and range of motion can make a profound difference in comfort, mobility, and long-term health outcomes. However, testing these variables in a real-world setting has been challenging—until now.
Meet the Solution: The PRO-004 Pylon Emulator
The PRO-004 Pylon Emulator is a single degree-of-freedom (DoF) tethered robotic pylon capable of exhibiting a wide range of programmable axial stiffness behaviors. Here’s how it stands out:
- Compatible with Caplex™ PRO Ankle-Foot Prostheses or commercially-available prosthetic feet
- Suitable for both people with amputation and those using a bent-knee adapter
- Highly configurable for personalized adjustments and testing
This innovative device bridges the gap between research and real-world applications, enabling iterative, data-driven prosthetic designs.
Key Features & Technical Specifications
The PRO-004 isn’t just a pylon—it’s a highly modular, sensor-packed tool that offers unmatched flexibility and insight. Here’s what makes it unique:
Key Features
- Onboard Force and Displacement Sensors: Inline load cell for precise axial load measurement and a string potentiometer for displacement tracking.
- Highly Configurable Software: Control force-deflection behaviors, including linear, non-linear, and time-based profiles.
- Adjustable Hard Stops: Fine-tune the pylon’s range of motion within a desired zone.
- Swappable Adapters: Top and bottom adapters can be swapped to fit various prosthetic feet.
- Return Spring Mechanism: Maintains tension on the actuation rope, ensuring smooth operation.
PRO-004 Technical Specifications
| Property | Specification |
|---|---|
| Active Degree of Freedom | Axial Extension |
| Force Sensor | Inline Load Cell for Axial Load Measurement |
| Displacement Sensor | String Potentiometer |
| Device Weight (without tether) | 1 kg (2.22 lb) |
| Device dimensions | Length: 10 cm (3.94 in) Width: 12.0 cm (4.74 in) Min compressed height: 8.2 cm (3.19 in) (w/o pyramid adapters) Max extended height: 9.6 cm (3.78 in) (w/o pyramid adapters) |
| Usage Limits | Max body weight: 119.30 kg (263 lbs) @ walking speed: 1.25 m/s (3.3 mph) |
How the PRO-004 Works
The PRO-004 Pylon Emulator is designed to replicate the dynamic behaviors of shock-absorbing prosthetic pylons. With its customizable software, users can program:
- Linear and Non-Linear Spring Force Profiles
- Time-Based Force Profiles
- Axial Stiffness Adjustments
This makes it possible to test various foot stiffness settings and fine-tune performance to match each user’s unique mobility goals.
Ready for an Upgrade?
With the PRO-004 Pylon Emulator, Humotech continues to lead the way in wearable robotics and mobility solutions. Whether you’re a researcher, clinician, or product developer, the PRO-004 will help you take prosthetic foot design to the next level.
Contact us at [email protected] or call (412) 301-5083.