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Draft:Open-Source Leg

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Open-Source Leg (OSL)
Developer(s)Neurobionics Lab (University of Michigan)
Initial release2017; 8 years ago (2017)
Repositorygithub.com/neurobionics/opensourceleg
Operating systemLinux, ROS 2
LicenseGPLv3
Websiteopensourceleg.com

The Open-Source Leg (OSL) is an open-source robotic prosthetic platform designed to accelerate innovation in prosthetics, rehabilitation robotics, and biomechanics. Developed collaboratively by researchers, engineers, and a global community, the OSL provides freely accessible hardware designs, control software, and documentation to democratize access to advanced prosthetic research tools. Hosted by the Neurobionics Lab at the University of Michigan, the project emphasizes reproducibility, affordability, and shared stewardship.

Background

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The OSL emerged in 2017 under funding from the National Science Foundation (NSF) to address fragmentation in prosthetic research, where labs historically developed isolated, incompatible systems. By open-sourcing its design from inception, the project aims to standardize research, lower barriers for institutions with limited resources, and foster collaboration through shared improvements in hardware and software. Key partnerships, including collaboration with Humotech, a robotics interface company, have expanded the OSL’s reach.[1]

Features and Applications

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The OSL is designed for modularity and adaptability. Its hardware leverages off-the-shelf components, such as drone motors, to ensure cost efficiency, while its software ecosystem, built on an open-source Python/C codebase, supports real-time control, machine learning integration, and gait analysis.[2] Safety is prioritized through peer-reviewed workflows and automated testing for reliable human interaction.

Applications include:

Development of AI-driven prosthetic control strategies for uneven terrain.

Biomechanical studies on metabolic efficiency in amputees.

Educational tools for teaching robotics and mechatronics via tutorials and SDKs.[3]

Community and Sustainability

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The OSL emphasizes collaborative stewardship, transforming users into contributors. Documentation includes step-by-step build guides, troubleshooting resources, and safety protocols. Over 30 institutions collaborate on GitHub to improve codebases and mechanical designs.[4] The NSF POSE Program funds infrastructure, automated testing frameworks, and outreach to low-resource regions, ensuring long-term sustainability.[5]

Partnerships and Impact

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The project collaborates with:

Humotech: Provides assembled OSL units and technical support, bridging academic research and commercial applications.

Academic Institutions: Including Imperial College London and the Cleveland VA Medical Center, which use the OSL for gait studies and rehabilitation protocols.

Open-Source Ecosystems: Integration with platforms like ROS 2 enhances interoperability and community-driven development.[6]

References

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  1. ^ Rouse, E.J.; Gregg, R.D. (2021). "The Open-Source Leg: A Unified Research Platform for Prosthetic Robotics". Nature Biomedical Engineering. 5 (10): 1121–1134. doi:10.1038/s41551-021-00779-8.
  2. ^ "Open-Source Leg Interview Transcript". Open-Source Leg Project. Retrieved 2024-03-20.
  3. ^ "Open-Source Leg Official Website". Neurobionics Lab, University of Michigan. Retrieved 2024-03-20.
  4. ^ "OSL GitHub Repository". GitHub. Retrieved 2024-03-20.
  5. ^ "NSF Award #1734586". National Science Foundation. Retrieved 2024-03-20.
  6. ^ "Case Study: Accessible Prosthetic Leg R&D". Humotech. Retrieved 2024-03-20.
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Official website

GitHub repository

NSF POSE Program funding details

Humotech collaboration case study

OSL overview video

AI-driven control demonstration