Sensors in the amputee's shoes send signals to the knee's computer, which reproduces the appropriate walking pattern. Whether you want to climb stairs, walk quickly or slowly, sit or stand, it will recognize it in real time.

Victhom is also working on a motorized ankle and artificial muscles, as well as a neural implant to replace the bionic leg's external sensors.

Seattle Systems, in conjunction with Sandia National Laboratories, is still working on a Smart Integrated Lower Limb (SILL). The final version will incorporate multiple sensors feeding data on pressure, position, and speed to a central processor that will control the knee as well as the ankle, foot, and socket. The leg socket will adjust to the changing diameter of the wearer's residual limb over the course of a day. Pressure sensors in the foot will deliver a mild buzz to electrodes attached to the residual limb. Using these cues, amputees will be able to train their limb to "feel" their prosthetic foot as it hits the ground.

The basic concept of the SILL is common to the school of thought behind all bionics: an artificial limb, like a healthy one, should function as a unit, rather than a group of parts. This is the definition of bionic technology, in the truest, simplest sense. Total integration — a direct link between man and machine.