VarioFoot
Development of a prosthetic foot with sensory user feedback
| Funding: |
Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung (BMBF) Projektträger: VDI Technologiezentrum |
| Funding code: | 15GW0583B |
| Partner: |
Orthopädie-Technik Scharpenberg e.K. BITSz electronics GmbH H+E Produktentwicklung GmbH LSE - Lightweight Structures Engineering GmbH Medizinische Hochschule Hannover, Orthopädische Klinik, Labor für Biomechanik und Biomaterialien TU Dresden, Professur für technisches Design |
| Duration: | 01/2023 - 12/2025 |
| Contact: | Frank Hänel |
The goal of the project is to develop an innovative prosthetic foot for exoprostheses that stands out from previous high-end solutions due to its modularity for more needs-based individualization, an integrated sensor system for substrate detection, and an energetically optimized kinematic chain. Compared to established prosthetic foot systems, the VarioFoot system is said to offer prosthesis wearers a reduced risk of tripping and falling due to restored proprioception and an associated increased sense of safety, as well as reduced energy requirements and strain. For the fitting specialist, the VarioFoot system is intended to offer higher-value fitting options due to the more specific customizability as well as the influence on the manufacturing process.
The main motivation is the restoration of functions and quality of life after loss of the lower extremity. Due an amputation of the leg, the affected person is confronted with great challenges in everyday life, be it everyday walking and standing on different surfaces, carrying objects or simply social integration, the prosthesis has to meet the requirements and needs. Although great technical progress has been made in this area of technology, there is still no equivalent replacement for the amputated extremity, so there is still great potential for innovation to be developed. Another motivation is to re-establish the innovation process in prosthetics, which is currently dominated by industry and decoupled from the supplying specialist companies, and also to establish a sustainable value chain with small and medium-sized technology suppliers.
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