Artificial limb for host assistance

A method of improving mobility of a user through use of a prosthetic limb attached to the user, comprising:

• collecting environmental sensor data about surroundings of the user and movement sensor data about a present position and trajectory of the user;
• analyzing the environmental sensor data and the movement sensor data to determine whether an assistance event for actively assisting the user is imminent;
• identifying an assistance movement for the limb associated with the assistance event;
• and
• controlling the limb to maneuver according to the assistance movement to assist the user and improve mobility of the user.

A prosthetic device for improving mobility of a user, comprising:

• a support component including at least a waist device that is configured to secure the prosthetic device to the user at a waist area of the user;
• and
• a limb attached to the support component and including:
• a base joint that is connected with the support component and that is configured to pivot through at least one degree of freedom in order to move the limb toward and away from the user,
• a base member connected with a pivoting point of the base joint, wherein the base member is a rigid structure extending from the base joint,
• a mid-joint that is connected with a distal end of the base member away from the pivoting point of the base joint, wherein the mid-joint is configured to pivot through at least one degree of freedom that includes a same plane of movement as the base joint,
• a lower member that is a rigid structure connected with the mid-joint and extending from the mid-joint such that the lower member pivots about the mid-joint,
• wherein the limb is configured to support the user by providing a rigid structure between a floor surface and the user, and wherein the limb is configured to assist the user in transitioning from a seated position to a standing position by applying a substantially upward force to the user through the support component when transitioning to the standing position.