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We explore the exciting intersection of engineering, biomechanics, and 3D printing in prosthetics with our guest Ashton Stoop, who shares his journey from mechanical engineering student to designing 3D-printed prosthetic limbs in Mexico.

• Ashton's background in mechanical engineering and his path to O&P through biomechanics research
• The importance of both functionality and emotional integration in prosthetic design
• How custom prosthetic covers serve as tools for patient acceptance and identity
• Using Rhino and Grasshopper software to create automated workflows for socket design
• The balance between maintaining clinical control and leveraging AI automation
• The potential for 3D printing to democratize the prosthetics industry
• How small clinics can compete with larger corporations through innovative technology
• The critical importance of clinical evaluation and fitting despite technological advances
• Challenges in biomechanical understanding of complex structures like feet and ankles
• Community initiatives like the Digital Limb Collective that share knowledge and best practices

The field of prosthetics needs professionals from all backgrounds – you don't have to be a clinician to make a difference in people's lives. If you have design skills and a passion to help others, there is room for you to contribute to this meaningful work.

Special Thanks to Advanced 3D for sponsoring this episode.

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Dhruv Agrawal, founder of Aether Biomedical, shares how a birthday gift 3D printer led him from medical school to developing the Zeus hand, the strongest bionic prosthetic hand on the market with revolutionary cloud-based tracking capabilities.

• Journey from medical student to prosthetics innovator began with a 3D printer birthday gift
• Uses additive manufacturing not just for prototyping but for actual production components
• Zeus hand features industry-leading grip strength and 30-minute repair capability
• Cloud-based platform tracks usage data, showing super users complete 700-800 grip cycles daily
• Data collected helps optimize device settings and provides evidence for insurance authorization
• Most users rely on 4-6 standard grips plus 2-3 customized grips for specific activities
• Currently working on multiple versions of the Zeus hand at different price points
• Long-term vision is to become "the operating system for assistive devices" across prosthetics, orthotics, and exoskeletons
• Company of 60 people with half dedicated to research and development
• Future developments include VR training tools for phantom limb pain management

Special thanks to Advanced 3D for sponsoring this episode.

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Jochen Weigel from Stuttgart, Germany joins us to discuss his innovative contributions to prosthetics, including post-processing for Niagara feet and the development of the AirFit casting system.

• Jochen's journey from clinical specialist to R&D manager to starting his own business 13 years ago
• The AirFit system uses air pressure instead of water to create comfortable prosthetic sockets
• Air pressure uniquely compresses only soft tissue while preserving bony structures
• Testing in Kenya combined the AirFit system with low-temperature thermoplastic sockets for immediate fitting
• The Niagara foot provides exceptional durability compared to SACH feet commonly used in developing regions
• Made with special DuPont material (Hydrel) through a complex molding process few can replicate
• The foot works across weight ranges from 70-190 pounds when properly tuned
• High initial cost compared to $20 Chinese alternatives creates adoption challenges despite long-term savings
• Ways to help include volunteering with NGOs, making targeted donations, or collaborating with small companies

If you have ideas for prosthetic products that could help in developing regions, reach out to smaller companies who are more likely to be interested in humanitarian solutions.

Special thanks to Advanced 3D for sponsoring this episode.

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