Limbto

Limbto is a modular platform designed to standardize the development and integration of limb-related devices and interfaces. It encompasses hardware modules representing joints and actuators and software layers for control, sensing, and data exchange. The aim is to enable interoperability across prosthetics, robotics, and rehabilitation devices through a common data model and API.

Origin and governance: limbto originated in the early 2020s from a consortium of academic laboratories, clinical researchers, and maker communities seeking open standards for limb technology. It is distributed as an open-source project with permissive licensing and a rotating governance model intended to balance academic and industry input.

Architecture and features: The hardware layer comprises modular limbs with plug-and-play joints, force and position sensors, and compact actuators. The software stack includes an application programming interface, a real-time middleware, and libraries for sensor fusion, trajectory planning, and haptic feedback. It supports common middleware such as ROS and offers a standardized data model for joint angles, torque, velocity, and limb intent. Communications support wired and wireless links, with attention to safety and security.

Applications: Limbto has been explored for prosthetic rehabilitation, robotic exoskeletons, and research in humanoid robotics. It also sees use in virtual reality and teleoperation interfaces where consistent limb state data improves control.

Reception and challenges: The project has attracted attention for lowering barriers to prototyping limb devices, but real-world adoption faces regulatory hurdles for medical devices, reliability requirements, power management, and the need to ensure interoperability with legacy equipment. Ongoing work focuses on safety, latency reductions, and expanding hardware compatibility.