Radical knee brace on sale by 2012

A Chinese professor has developed an innovative electric brace for people with weak or injured knees that will go on sale by 2012.

Professor Liao Weihsin's Hybrid Assistive Knee Brace uses a combination of electric motors and magnetic-rheological (MR) fluid, and will soon be tested by people.

The brace is designed to be worn by those with injuries, osteoporosis, weak knees and the elderly to give more support and comfort when walking.

Liao, from the department of mechanical and automation engineering at Chinese University, is the first person in the world to use the MR fluid in a multi-functional knee brace. This system improves on existing models that offer limited movement.

'It is unique as it combines a motor, clutch and brake. It will be lighter and smaller than existing knee braces,' said Liao.

He says once his device has undergone human trials, it should be on sale in Hong Kong by 2012 and will cost about HK$15,000.