At OTWorld 2026 in Leipzig, a demonstrator for intelligent ground detection in lower-limb prostheses was presented by Saphenus and Salzburg Research. The system combines wearable sensors, real-time data processing, and machine learning to classify different ground conditions during walking. See the demonstration video here!
A live dashboard visualized sensor signals and classification results, allowing visitors to observe how the system distinguishes between hard ground, soft terrain, slopes, and transitions in real time. The demonstrator highlighted the potential of providing prosthesis users with additional information about their walking environment and showcased the successful collaboration between research and industry.
The system attracted considerable interest at the fair, receiving positive feedback from visitors and experts. Further user testing is planned to evaluate usability and refine the communication of ground information in everyday situations.