MobilisArm

Mobilis

MobilisArm

Bringing low-cost, high quality prosthetics to amputees in developing countries and war zones bypassing the need for trained professionals.

Cambridge, MA, USA

United States

Hybrid of for-profit and nonprofit

There are nearly 40 million amputees in developing countries and war zones who need prosthetics, and the problem is only growing. This shockingly large number can be attributed to two primary reasons. First, prosthetics are unaffordable, often costing thousands and thousands of dollars at a minimum. Second, every amputee requires a professional to custom-fit a prosthetic to them, which is an industry standard. In developing countries and war zones such as Ukraine and Gaza, the lack of access to trained prosthetic professionals is incredibly low. Simultaneously, current estimates indicate that the number of amputees globally is growing year by year due to increased global conflicts and population growth. An estimated 6 million of these amputees are transradial, or below-the-elbow, amputees, which is the specific population we are aiding. For these amputees, living life without an arm significantly affects their everyday life, often leading to increased poverty, discrimination, and early deaths. Current options are lacking. Low-cost prosthetics lack durability and comfort, and the need for a custom fit means that even current accessible options remain inaccessible.

The goal of our engineering solution is simple: (1) reduce costs and (2) eliminate the need for trained professionals in order to break down the two main barriers that affect millions. After three years, 300+ prototypes, and several testing rounds, we have designed and patented the most accessible prosthetic in existence. Our prosthetic has been proven and tested and has three main advantages over other prosthetics. First, through 3D printing and an innovative material approach, we can manufacture our prosthetics for less than $40 per unit, which is <1% of the cost of current prosthetics. Second, we have ensured durability and high quality by using carbon fiber and long-lasting TPU. Third, we have focused on ease of adoption and ease of use by employing industry-standard body-powered hand controls. Its most novel feature is the patented universal-fit prosthetic socket. The socket, consisting of several strategically placed real-time adjustable clasps with skin-safe silicone padding, allows the prosthetic to fit various-sized amputees with the same device. This means that the prosthetic can be mass-produced and then distributed in kits directly to amputees, eliminating the need for trained professionals. This design has been tested with several amputees and has been rated to have higher comfort than the amputees' $100,000+ prosthetics.

Our solution is designed to empower amputees in India, East Africa, Ukraine, and Gaza: communities where access to affordable, quality prosthetic care is extremely limited. In India, where socio-economic challenges and vast disparities in healthcare delivery leave many amputees without adequate support, our solution provides an immediate, cost-effective option to regain mobility and independence. In East Africa, geographic isolation and a scarcity of specialized medical services mean that many amputees face profound barriers to rehabilitation. Here, our universally adaptable prosthetic offers a lifeline, enabling individuals to participate more fully in community and economic life despite the scarcity of local experts. In war-affected regions like Ukraine and Gaza, the devastation of conflict has led to a surge in amputations, overwhelming strained healthcare systems. For these individuals, our approach does more than replace a lost limb; it restores ability and the potential for a productive future. By eliminating the need for custom in-person fittings, our innovation directly addresses critical gaps in service delivery, making prosthetic care accessible to the millions who need it most.