An Innovative Prosthetic Foot: SoftFoot Pro Mimics Natural Foot Movement

People with foot amputations typically use rigid, flat prosthetics resembling those found in robots. However, these prosthetics limit their ability to walk naturally and navigate uneven terrain.

To address these limitations, the Italian Institute of Technology (IIT) has developed the SoftFoot Pro, an innovative prosthetic foot that adapts to diverse terrains and mimics the natural movement of the human foot. Unlike conventional motorized prosthetics, SoftFoot Pro operates without motors and closely replicates the form and anatomical features of the human foot, resulting in a more stable and natural walking experience.

Despite being incredibly lightweight (450 grams), SoftFoot Pro can support a weight of up to 100 kilograms. The foot’s core component is a flexible arch made from lightweight yet robust titanium. This arch connects to five parallel chains composed of high-strength plastic material resembling the plantar fascia in the human foot (a band of tissue connecting the heel bone to the base of the big toe). This structure enables natural movement: when lifting the foot or placing it on uneven surfaces, the chains and arch work together to distribute weight across the entire foot and maintain balance.