TheBakersfieldCalifornian.com

On Tuesday, Eric Pierce cruised up a ramp, walked up steps and stepped down curbs with ease, all thanks to his new bionic foot.

"It makes a world of difference," said Pierce, 29. "It's almost like having my old leg back."

Pierce, who lives in Boron, is believed to be the first person in Kern County to receive the bionic foot, an artificially intelligent and motor-powered prosthesis. Experts say the technology provides unprecedented physical and psychological benefits for amputees, alleviating fear of tripping while reducing the pain associated with artificial limbs.

Pierce "isn't limping or compensating and he mentions no pain," said James Bernardino, the prosthetist orthotist who works with Pierce at Bakersfield's Valley Institute of Prosthetics and Orthotics Inc. "No pain is a big selling point."

For Pierce, the bionic foot represents the ability to simply walk, without constantly worrying whether he's stepping onto a new surface such as grass, or walking up an incline.

Other prosthetic models, such as the one Pierce gave up Tuesday, have a fixed ankle, which makes climbing stairs and walking up hills similar to having a rigid cast. Users have to constantly monitor the ground, using their hip and working leg to lift the foot on uneven or sloped surfaces. That extra physical effort often leaves users with hip, knee and back pain.

The bionic foot works by sensing motion and predicting the next step. It monitors data, such as when the heel strikes the ground, and feeds all of that information into a microprocessor. It can also sense the change from level ground to a slope, and adjusts the toe and ankle accordingly. When the person sits down, the foot recognizes this, and points the foot naturally.

All of that artificial intelligence translates into relief for Pierce, who has used an artificial foot for four years after a construction accident left his right leg amputated below the knee. In the early months, just getting out of bed was tough, knowing he had to put on "something that's not yours."

The effort to walk, too, often left Pierce so fatigued he'd prefer to just lie around. He struggled with depression, and a quick temper fueled by the constant frustration and "excruciating" pain.

Now, the married father of three hopes he'll be able to spend more time helping out around the house, and playing with his children, ages 6, 4, and five months. He'd like to try camping at Lake Isabella, navigating the uneven terrain on a foot that can handle the challenge.

"I just want to do day-to-day stuff," Pierce said. "The grocery store will be the real test."

People lose feet for a variety of reasons, such as complications from diabetes, traumatic injuries and congenital defects. This particularly foot is targeted for people who are very active, said Trevor Townsend, a prosthetist orthotist. If someone is house-bound, there isn't as much need for the wide range of motion, he added.

The bionic foot may be especially useful for military professionals returning from overseas, Townsend said. In years of war -- during which time the number of amputees grows -- prosthetic technology often develops more rapidly, he said.

This bionic foot, called the Proprio Foot, came out several years ago, but Medicare started paying for it more recently, leading other insurers to follow suit, Townsend said. The model costs about $22,000, he said.

Merridith Gonzalez, the area sales manager for the model, said demand for the bionic foot is growing. In two weeks, the company will be unveiling another version that works for amputees above the knee as well.

Pierce custom-ordered his prosthetic calf portion to include skeleton tattoos that complement the skull-decorated T-shirt he wore Tuesday.

"People are looking at you, so I put my tattoos on it for a conversation piece," he said.

David Nusser, a friend who accompanied Pierce for the fitting, said he was optimistic the two could go on camping trips and ride motorcycles together again. And, he said, he couldn't get over just how high-tech the bionic foot is, keeping Pierce laughing as he theorized on the new foot's potential.

"Can you get wireless and play Angry Birds on that?" he said. "What about updating Facebook, all from the convenience of your leg?"