Russia has released one of the first domestic microprocessor-controlled knee modules for people after thigh amputation. The development by GK "Metiz" analyzes gait in real time and independently adjusts the prosthesis to the speed and conditions of movement. The first batch has already arrived at Russian prosthetic and orthopedic centers.
Inside the device, electronics, hydraulics, and algorithms with elements of artificial intelligence are at work. The module regulates resistance with each step, helping a person move more confidently, change pace, and walk on different surfaces. Foreign systems of this class can cost several million rubles, while the Russian product is planned to be 20-30% cheaper.
More than 400 million rubles were invested in development and production preparation, with part of the costs covered by subsidies from the Ministry of Industry and Trade. Production will be ramped up in separate batches as demand grows, as it enters the state segment, and as new prosthetic workshops are connected.
After launching stable domestic supplies, the company is considering exports to CIS countries, South Korea, Japan, and other markets where it already has business ties. The exact timing and list of destinations are still being worked out.
For mass accessibility, not only the price of the module itself is important, but also the cost of maintenance, repair speed, and availability of spare parts. Such devices are already included in the system for providing technical means of rehabilitation, but specific components are chosen by prosthetic enterprises independently – taking into account their price and quality.
The market for domestic microprocessor knee modules is being formed by several players. NPK "Systems of Precision Instrumentation" (part of Roscosmos) has been the only serial manufacturer of such products in Russia since 2023: in 2024, the enterprise increased production by 30%, and the cost of one module exceeds 1.5 million rubles. The "Metallist" association (Rostec) presented a pre-production sample of the bionic knee module "Kometa" with a built-in microprocessor and neural network: the device is designed for people with medium and high activity levels, supports walking and running, and works for up to 10 days without recharging. In parallel, the same "Metallist" is preparing for serial production of the hydraulic module "Sputnik" – without electronics, with an emphasis on moisture protection and an affordable price, the first batch of 500 units is planned for 2026. The Russian market's need for microprocessor knee modules is estimated at 1-3 thousand units per year.