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Intelligent software for faster, more personal fitting of prosthetics

techUK CES 2020: GUEST BLOG from Radii Devices - “Socket fit is the be all and end all in terms of activity and quality of life”

GUEST BLOG: Joshua Steer explains how Radii Devices have developed intelligent software for faster, more personal fitting prosthetics. 

It’s a fact that’s known to everyone in the prosthetics industry. Yet, a recent survey by the NHS indicated that socket fit was still the number one problem for users of prosthetic devices. We think of prosthetics as the cutting-edge of engineering, where bionics and AI are pushing the boundaries of what is possible. Yet, the clinical reality is far from the glossy portrayal. 

The prosthetic socket is custom-made for each prosthesis user. It acts much like a pair of shoes. If they’re the wrong shape or size, it causes pain during walking. They’re designed by skilled clinicians, however the complexity of achieving the perfect fit results in multiple visits to the clinic. Funding pressures, increased demand on the service and a shrinking workforce all present huge challenges for NHS clinics trying to deliver the best quality of care.

Radii Devices have developed intelligent software for faster, more personal fitting of these devices. Their software supports the skilled prosthetists in the design of these devices, through cutting-edge engineering design and prediction of device fit before manufacture. They apply the same technologies used in F1 car design or America’s Cup Yacht racing and make them available and accessible to clinicians. 

Radii Devices were spun out of the Bioengineering Sciences Research Group at the University of Southampton in April 2019. Despite being established for just over 6 months they have already attracted significant attention for their innovative technology. Having secured initial funding from the Royal Academy of Engineering Enterprise Fellowship, they followed it up with securing £120k in seed funding at the Dragon’s Den event run by the University of Southampton’s business accelerator, Future Worlds. This was the largest on-stage commitment in the history of the event.

They’re now launching their new web-based demo of the technology at CES, the largest technology show in the world. Showcasing how this revolutionary technology can be transformed into a global, scalable business. Their founder, Joshua Steer, “Getting the fit of these devices right is so important for device users. We’re determined to create the tools which prosthetists deserve. We can’t wait to start our clinical pilots scheduled for early 2020”. 

The software also has the endorsement of clinicians including Chantel Ostler from NHS Portsmouth “Getting socket fit right is a huge challenge. Increasing CAD use in the NHS could streamline manufacturing and have a real impact on patient satisfaction. However new CAD systems, such as the Radii Devices product, are required to facilitate uptake by busy prosthetic teams”

Radii Devices are now working within the NHS to run clinical pilots of their innovative technology. However, their ambitions are global. As they plan to scale their software to clinics all over the world over the next few years, to improve quality of life for people who need these assistive devices.

ABOUT RADII DEVICES 

Radii Devices was spun out of the Bioengineering Sciences Research Group at the University of Southampton in April 2019. Despite being established for just over 8 months they have already attracted significant attention for their innovative technology. Having secured initial funding from the Royal Academy of Engineering Enterprise Fellowship, they followed it up with an offer of £120k in seed funding at the Dragon’s Den event run by the University of Southampton’s startup accelerator, Future Worlds. This was the largest on-stage commitment in the history of the event.  

They are launching at the Future Worlds Booths 51733 and 51735. Future Worlds are the University of Southampton’s startup accelerator. 

Twitter: @RadiiDevices

FUTURE WORLDS

Future Worlds is the on-campus startup accelerator at the University of Southampton, helping aspiring student and academic entrepreneurs change the world with their ideas. 

Future Worlds accelerates new ventures through inspiring events, workshops, investor pitching opportunities, commercial partners and mentoring from a network of seasoned founders, early stage investors and millionaire entrepreneurs.

Visit stand 51733 and 51735 at CES 2020 to meet the founders.

Channel website: http://www.techuk.org/

Original article link: https://www.techuk.org/insights/news/item/16526-intelligent-software-for-faster-more-personal-fitting-of-prosthetics

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