Unlocking Sustainable and Resilient Assistive Technology Innovation and Delivery Ecosystems: Personalised Co-creation of Locally Produced Prosthetics: Research Summary
About
This project, part of the UK Aid-funded AT2030 programme, aims to improve access to assistive technology (AT) in Nepal by developing locally produced prosthetics. It focuses on personalised solutions created through collaboration between Nepali clinicians, engineers, and global innovation experts. The goal is to create sustainable, effective prosthetic devices tailored to the specific needs and environments of local users, while also building long-term capacity for innovation.
Highlights
- Local collaboration: A diverse team worked together to co-create prosthetic solutions. This approach ensured local knowledge and expertise were central throughout the design and production process.
- User-centred design: Prosthetic users were actively involved in the design, testing, and feedback phases. Their input helped shape the final products, ensuring they addressed both functional and personal needs.
- Custom prosthetic prototypes: Prosthetic devices were developed using both manual craftsmanship and advanced digital fabrication techniques. The designs were refined through multiple testing phases to balance comfort, usability, and durability.
Conclusion
The project successfully provided custom prosthetic devices while building a stronger, locally-led innovation network in Nepal. Combining traditional methods with modern digital tools demonstrated the potential for creating effective, personalised assistive devices. The success of this pilot work has already led to securing further funding to expand the initiative, supporting the development of a sustainable and resilient assistive technology innovation ecosystem in Nepal.
