April: National Limb Loss and Limb Difference Awareness Month – Advancing Mobility Through Robotics

April is National Limb Loss and Limb Difference Awareness Month, a time dedicated to recognizing the more than 2.7 million people in the U.S. living with limb loss or limb difference. It’s also an opportunity to highlight the innovations that enhance mobility, independence, and quality of life for these individuals.

Northeastern University’s Shepherd Lab is committed to redefining mobility through wearable robotics. Their research focuses on developing advanced controllers for prosthetics and exoskeletons that not only restore movement but also improve rehabilitation outcomes. By integrating biomechanics, patient perception, and clinical insights, they create assistive devices that are lightweight, comfortable, and intuitive—making locomotion easier and more natural.

Two exciting projects within the Shepherd Lab include the Cable-drive Exoskeleton Actuator with Non-Linear Series Elasticity project which introduces an actuator with variable stiffness, allowing for precise force control across different movement conditions. This innovative design enables a soft response for low-force interactions and stiffens as force demands increase, ensuring both sensitivity and strength in exoskeleton applications. Another exciting advancement is the Powered Ankle Prosthesis with a Differential Elastic Actuator and Novel Spring Geometry. This project focuses on developing the NEUankle, a prosthetic ankle capable of replicating biological torque and speed with exceptional control. Using a harmonic differential and a novel spring geometry, this system provides stability and adaptability, paving the way for user preference studies, machine learning applications, and real-world mobility trials. These innovations aim to bridge the gap between technology and human movement, empowering individuals with limb loss to move with confidence and ease.

As we recognize National Limb Loss and Limb Difference Awareness Month, we celebrate the resilience of those living with mobility impairments and highlight the great work being done to advance prosthetic and rehabilitation technology right here within the Northeastern community. The future of assistive robotics is not just about restoring mobility—it’s about redefining possibilities.

Learn more about the Shepherd Lab here.

If you’re looking for ways to get involved, check out the following resources:

Amputee Coalition Volunteer Research Opportunities

Volunteering Opportunities at Spaulding Rehabilitation

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. (2023, March 30). April is Limb Loss and Limb Difference Awareness Month. VA News. https://news.va.gov/119045/april-limb-loss-limb-difference-awareness-month/