We taught prosthetic limbs not to follow the body, but to think with it! Prof. Elliott Rouse

The next revolution in mobility was never just about building motors , it was about building systems, infrastructure, and community readiness to launch prosthetic research reliably. The moment researchers learned not only to build powered prosthetic legs but to replicate, share and standardize them globally, the modern era of open-source bionics began. Few people realize this: modular hardware, shared control software, common test protocols, and open documentation were as critical to Rouse’s success as the motors themselves. Without them, Open-Source Leg would have been a novelty. With them, it became a platform of history.

In this episode of The Joshua Olaiya Show, we dive deep into the operational backbone that turned Open-Source Leg into a global research platform. We explore:

How the Open-Source Leg project scaled from a lab prototype to a robust, high-availability platform used by multiple institutions worldwide, and the engineering hurdles behind that.

The hardware + software architecture that allowed researchers to test prosthetic control strategies in real-world environments (walking, ramp/stairs, varying terrains), and the design trade-offs needed for repeatability, safety, and adaptability.

The growth of a shared research ecosystem, how open documentation, modular design, and collaborations (academic & industry) help lower barriers for new research groups.


We’re joined by Elliott J. Rouse, associate professor at the University of Michigan, Director of Neurobionics Lab, and principal investigator of the Open-Source Leg project. He played an instrumental role in designing the first open-source bionic leg, releasing its full hardware & software stack to the world, and building the infrastructure, both technical and community-based, that enables dozens of research labs globally to build, test, and improve prosthetic legs.

Share your guest suggestions here
Link - https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FA...


🎙️ Tune in and get ready to learn how AI is shaping our world and how you can be part of this exciting future.


🎥 About the Host:

LinkedIn:   / joshuaolaiya   – Learn more about Joshua Olaiya’s journey into AI, his passion for tech, and what drives him to share the stories and insights on The Joshua Olaiya Show.

🔮 Explore More of My Content:

 Check out these other engaging videos that dive deeper into exciting topics:

About this channel:

About JOS:


SOCIAL LINKS:

LinkedIn:   / joshuaolaiya  

Instagram:   / joshuaolaiyaa  

Twitter: https://x.com/joshua_olaiyaa

Patreon: https://tapthe.link/patreon

Join the Community: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb1r...
Connect with like-minded individuals, share insights, and stay updated on the latest in AI, Robotics and Aerospace technology.

Get Email Update and rewards: https://joshuaolaiya.kit.com/creatord...

Prefer to listen? You can find the podcast on:

Spotify : https://open.spotify.com/user/31o6lzx...

PayPal: https://paypal.me/joshuaolaiya0?count...


Guest's LinkedIn:   / leewrosen  

DISCLAIMER: This episode is not an Ads, neither is it sponsored by Elliott and his institution.


About:

The Joshua Olaiya Podcast is the ultimate destination for tech, robotics, and AI innovation. What started as a simple passion for building robots has grown into a platform where we explore the future of technology, one conversation at a time.

From robotics and AI breakthroughs to entrepreneurship and visionary ideas, this podcast is about unlocking Africa’s potential through technology. We dive deep into conversations with engineers, innovators, and tech leaders, breaking down complex ideas in a way that inspires and educates.

Today, The Joshua Olaiya Podcast is home to disruptive ideas and bold dreams. Every episode uncovers the stories of builders, thinkers, and creators who are shaping the future. Whether it's pioneering new robotics, reimagining AI, or pushing the boundaries of what’s possible, this platform is about driving innovation in Africa and beyond.

Our goal? To make this the biggest tech podcast in Africa, a space where the next generation of robotics engineers and tech enthusiasts can learn, grow, and be inspired.

Every conversation is a learning experience, diving into deep, intellectual, and exciting topics. We’re not just talking about tech, we’re building the future of robotics, AI, and sustainable innovation.

Follow the journey as we inspire the world, one robot at a time.


#robot #prosthetics #joshuaolaiya #jospodcast #universityofmichigan #education #podcast #disabled