Bionic leg makes walking quicker and easier for amputees, trial shows

Brain-controlled device results in more natural gait and improves stability on stairs and uneven terrain

A brain-controlled bionic leg has allowed people with amputations to walk more quickly and navigate stairs and obstacles more easily in a groundbreaking trial.

The device allows the wearer to flex, point and rotate the foot of the prosthetic using their thoughts alone. This led to a more natural gait, improved stability on stairs and uneven terrain and a 41% increase in speed compared with a traditional prosthetic. The bionic leg works by reading activity in the patient's residual leg muscles and uses these signals to control an electrically powered ankle.