Bluetooth Powered Prosthetics: Double Amputees Walk Again

By Tim McGuinness Ph.D. on January 31st, 2008

bluetooth logo You’ve probably used it, or at least have heard about it: Bluetooth, the short-range wireless technology that allows various devices to communicate with each other wirelessly. A few of its usual applications include wireless printers, speakers, and of course the most common; headsets that connect to cellular phones for hands-free phone operation. Now here’s something you probably haven’t heard about: Bluetooth powered legs. Thanks to his two prosthetic legs outfitted with Bluetooth technology, Marine Lance Cpl. Joshua Bleill can walk again.

Bleill, while on patrol in Iraq last October 2006, lost both his legs when a bomb exploded under the Humvee he was riding in. 30-year old Bleill, is one of two Iraq war veterans to use legs equipped with Bluetooth technology. Each leg is equipped with Bluetooth receivers strapped to the ankle area. These devices are connected to computer chips that then communicate to built-in motors in the artificial joints, allowing the knees and ankles to move in a coordinated manner. The movement of the amputees remaining thigh muscles provides the input that makes the legs move. With the attached Bluetooth devices, each leg can communicate with the other leg, and give feedback on how it’s moving; if it’s currently walking, standing or climbing.

Previously, prosthetic legs that use the same concept had to be connected via a wire to a laptop computer and programmed before an amputee can use them. It was a more complex approach, requiring more motion/effort from the amputee to make the leg move.

Far from being flawless, this new prosthetic technology is still being refined before it becomes available to the general public. Regular check-ups and tests with the pioneers using them, Bleill, and also Army Lt. Col. Gregory Gadson, will improve the technology over time. Originally, this prosthetic technology had been designed to help amputees who had lost just one leg, but so far, it looks like its working fine for both Bleill and Gadson. In some cases however, the legs kick harder or farther than intended, or move faster than the users really wanted it to. A lot of fine-tuning still needs be done to make the legs respond properly. Another issue not quite ready for prime-time is that the legs have to be charged overnight, much like your regular cellular phone. Imagine walking down the street and your legs run out of power! “Excuse me sir, can I borrow a battery?”

With continuous research and development both from the prosthetics company, coupled with the strength and determination from the pioneer users, this technology will hopefully soon be able to stand on its own two legs (pun intended) and become available to the rest of the world!

Sources: