Axis | Prosthetic Foot with an Ankle

If you watch the X-Games then you’re familiar with the multitude of extreme or action sports that are showcased like motocross, BMX, snowmobiling, etc. Many of the other sports are board sports which include skateboarding, snowboarding, wakeboarding, and surfing. All of these sports involve an incredible amount of strength and balance. With a lot of that balance coming from ankle motion. Industrial designer and amputee Timothy Kevin Seward developed the Axis, a prosthetic foot and leg that has a functional ankle. Giving prosthetic users who want to participate in board sports greater flexibility and motion.

Most lower leg prosthetics are made for walking or running in a relative straight line. Lateral motion is not a priority in these designs. So for a below the knee prosthetic user, balance and body shifting would be done at the knee. Which increases stress on the knee and possible injuries. The Axis prosthetic would reduce stress on the knee by giving the user a more natural leg movement.

Let’s talk about how the Axis works. Above is a picture of the prototypes Seward made of the Axis. All appear to have a ball joint type design to give the full 360° motion. On the outside are “tendons” to contain motion and give some tension in the movements. The two prototypes on the left have rubber-like “tendons” to act like real tendons and muscles. The prototype on the left uses what appear to be hydraulic pistons with ball joint ends.

This is a really cool design that caters to a specific genre of sports. I can see the Axis being modified to also be used in inline skating, skiing, and other sports. To see more of  Timothy Kevin Seward’s work visit www.timothykevinseward.com or www.conformstudios.com.

AXIS 360 – Motion Teaser from Tim Seward on Vimeo.