Free trial of Steplife's bionic knee unit launches in Yakutsk's Far East tour

Steplife and Salyut-Orto have launched a free trial of the Steplife B5 bionic knee unit in Yakutsk. The testing began on 5 June 2026 and forms part of a wider initiative across the Far East. Ivan Khudyakov, CEO of Steplife, confirmed the trial will cover the entire region, from Kamchatka to Chita. The trial is part of Steplife’s grant-funded project, 'Bionic Leg Prosthetics with Microprocessor Control (Steplife B7)'. The project is supported by the Skolkovo Innovation Center’s TechnoVostok initiative. It focuses on developing advanced prosthetic technology in the Republic of Buryatia.

The two-week trial will test the latest bionic knee unit, featuring rotational hydraulics and microprocessor control. Participants will assess its reliability, functionality, and ease of daily use. They will also evaluate mobility, comfort, and performance on various surfaces, including flat ground, inclines, stairs, and during physical exercises.

Testing is taking place daily at 2 Morozov Lane, Yakutsk, under the supervision of the Erel Rehabilitation and Prosthetics Center. The Yakutsk trial is one stop in a broader tour that includes Kamchatka, Khabarovsk, Vladivostok, Chita, Blagoveshchensk, and Yakutsk. Interested participants can sign up for testing via an online link. The trial aims to gather feedback on the bionic knee unit’s performance in real-world conditions. Results will help refine the technology for future use. The initiative marks a significant step in expanding access to advanced prosthetics across the Far East.