A growing number of researchers and manufacturers are turning to 3D design tools like CAD and 3D printers to accommodate the increasing complexity and highly customized nature of next-generation prosthetics.
Gone are the days when a prosthetic foot or brace is a one-size-fits-all design, forcing users to deal with a multitude of discomforts or contend with limited mobility in terms of range of motion. Today’s prosthetic devices are highly customized and oftentimes micro-controlled pieces of equipment that account for everything from the wearer’s unique measurements and body characteristics to the physics behind specific movements — each a highly tailored recipe intended to deliver the best results.