Active Projects
R01: Lightweight Powered Prosthesis for Above-knee Amputees
R01HD098154 – T. Lenzi (PI)
National Institutes of Health (NIH) – Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development
09/09/2019-04/30/2025 – $2,250,000 total costs
Description: The major goal of this project is to understand what key prosthesis functionalities can enable individuals with unilateral above-knee amputation to transition between limited (K2) to full community (K3) ambulatory.
NRI: INT: COLLAB: Muscle Ultrasound Sensing for Intuitive Control of Robotic Leg Prostheses
National Robotics Initiative – CMMI-1925371 – T. Lenzi (PI)
National Science Foundation (NSF) – Division of Civil, Mechanical and Manufacturing Innovation (CMMI)
09/1/2019 – 08/31/2023 – $600,000
The major goal of this project is to develop new control strategies for powered knee and ankle prostheses that optimally integrate ultrasound sensing from the residual limb of the user with the mechanical sensors embedded in the prosthesis.
CAREER: Bio-inspired Multi-joint Design and Control for Efficient and Lightweight Wearable Robots
Faculty Early Career Development (CAREER) Award (FRR-2046287), T. Lenzi (PI)
National Science Foundation (NSF) – Foundational Research in Robotics
05/20/2021 – 05/19/2026 – $584,000
Description: The major goal of this project is to lay the theoretical foundations for the development of bioinspired actuation systems using compliant multi-joint actuation systems.
Lightweight Powered Knee-Ankle Prosthesis for Community Ambulation
W81XWH2110037 – T. Lenzi (PI)
Department of Defense, Congressionally Directed Medical Research Program (CDMRP-DMDRP-JC8- RESTORE)
04/01/2021-03/31/2025 – $1,498,000
Description: The objective of this project is to provide the first demonstration of a powered knee-ankle prosthesis at home and in the community. To this end, we will develop a new version of our powered knee-ankle prosthesis that satisfies ISO standards for structural testing, select the optimal prosthesis configuration through preclinical, laboratory testing with individuals with above-knee amputation and conduct a pilot clinical trial with three individuals with an above-knee amputation using our lightweight powered leg at home.
Development of an Active Knee Prosthesis
Ottobock SE & Co. KGaA – T. Lenzi (PI)
07/01/2022 – 06/30/2023
Description: The major goal of this project is to develop an active knee prosthesis that satisfies the requirements for commercialization.
Motorized Hip Orthosis for Individuals with Transfemoral Amputations
W81XWH-22-1-1028 – T. Lenzi (PI)
Department of Defense, Congressionally Directed Medical Research Program (CDMRP-PRORP-CTRA)
09/01/2022-07/31/2026 $1,499,000
Description: The goal of this project is to develop and test a motorized hip orthosis for use by individuals with transfemoral amputation during challenging locomotor tasks.
Magnetic Cogging Parallel-elastic Actuators for Energy-efficient Robotic Legs
FRR 2147765 J. Abbott (PI), T. Lenzi (co-PI), S. Roundy (co-PI)
National Science Foundation (NSF) – Foundational Research in Robotics
01/01/2023 – 12/31/2026 – $754,000
Description: The major goal of this project is to develop a new actuator for human-friendly robots combining the strengths of programmable magnetic springs and electrical motors. The proposed magnetic actuator will be demonstrated on a robotic ankle/foot prosthesis for individuals with below-knee amputation
Completed Projects
Motorized Hip Orthoses to Improve the Gait Ability of Transfemoral Amputees
W81XWH-16-1-0701 – T. Lenzi (PI)
Department of Defense, Congressionally Directed Medical Research Program (CDMRP-PRORP-ARA)
9/30/2017 – 6/30/2021- $983,000
Description: The major goal of this project is to optimize the control of a novel lightweight motorized hip orthosis and to determine its efficacy in improving the walking ability of individuals with transfemoral amputation who use passive prostheses.