The SOCKETSENSE project aims to develop an innovative, advanced, sensor-based socket system that will enable comfortable socket manufacturing, tailored to the patient’s needs. Cutting-edge technology will use real-time monitoring of residual limb tissues evolvement by collecting data through advanced embedded sensors. The end product will be designed through biomechanical modelling and CAD/CAM tools, and finally coming to life via additive manufacturing (AM).
With SOCKETSENSE, prosthetists will be able to achieve a good socket fit within the same day when the patient needs a new one, and the technique will apply to all lower limb amputees (above and below knee).
Design aspects of the SOCKETSENSE system include:
- Soft and flexible, light-weight, 3D pressure and shear sensors based on an environmentally friendly ‘new composition of matter’ Quantum Technology Supersensor which can achieve functionality that has otherwise been unattainable
- Simple, low cost, low power processing, multi-touch and multi-functional electronic sensors that are easy to assemble and manufacture large-scale
- Sensor system capable of providing a three-dimensional pressure map in real time for better prosthetic fit
- Advanced biomechanical analytics model to analyse the interaction of residual tissue and sockets
- Low cost, fast 3D printing of sockets through automated socket design/generation codes in unified software
- Advanced data analytics and artificial intelligence algorithms to enhance the accuracy of data analysis
TWI Hellas is responsible for the design and implementation of an artificial intelligence (AI) based optimisation toolkit for socket design as well as overall system integration.
SOCKETSENSE will boost Europe’s technological and competitive advantage in the growing healthcare and medical wearable devices industry.
Partners: South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Quantum Technology Supersensors, Servicio Andaluz de Salud, Össur, SwereaIVF, Teesside University, KTH, Neuromedia and TWI
SOCKETSENSE was co-funded by the Horizon 2020 programme of the European Union.