State of the Art in Robotic Leg Prostheses: Where We Are and Where We Want to Be
3rd Edition
Full-day workshop October 1, 2026, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
Lunch will be provided
Ambulation with conventional prostheses is slower, less stable, and less efficient than ambulation in able-bodied individuals. Robotic leg prostheses have the potential to close this gap by providing biomechanically accurate kinetics and kinematics. Although these devices have advanced considerably, design challenges persist in making them lighter, more powerful, and more durable, while open issues in control include adaptability to unstructured real-world environments, integration of the user’s volition, and personalization based on the patient’s preference.
This 3rd edition of the workshop builds on the highly successful IROS 2020 and 2023 events, focusing on the latest breakthroughs and open challenges in powered prosthetics. To highlight new concepts, we will showcase emerging applications, including the development of bionic legs for highly dynamic activities, agile maneuvers, and navigating complex, unstructured environments, as well as the integration of neural interfaces into the prosthesis control loop. Top researchers will present their current approaches, while interactive panel discussions will dissect ongoing challenges. Attendees will also experience live demonstrations of state-of-the-art powered prostheses and get hands-on experience with leading technologies. A dedicated poster session will highlight emerging researchers and provide them with early feedback on their work.
