An interdisciplinary team led by UWE Bristol will be competing at this years CYBATHLON in Zurich in October.
Around 80 international teams from the worlds of academia and industry will compete in a unique competition.
Senior Lecturer in Mechatronics & Researcher in Rehabilitation Robotics Dr Appolinaire C. Etoundi shares below information about the amazing work his team are doing for the competition:
The work:
Our project is part of a larger initiative focused on improving the quality of life for individuals with above-knee amputations. Our participation in the CYBATHLON competition is centred around the development of an advanced prosthetic leg that is designed to empower our pilot to excel in the Leg Prosthesis Race.
The core of our work lies in bio-inspired and user-centric prosthetic design, with a strong focus on optimising comfort, performance, and adaptability. Our device integrates cutting-edge technologies, such as advanced materials and adaptive mechanisms, to ensure stability, control, and speed during the race.
We are seeking to test and validate this technology at the CYBATHLON event, where we will demonstrate its feasibility, attract attention from potential collaborators, and foster interest from key players in the prosthetics industry.
“Our project is not just about creating a prosthetic device; it’s about pushing the boundaries of assistive technology and improving amputees’ daily lives. The CYBATHLON competition offers us a platform to showcase that we can make the impossible possible for the people who needs solutions today and also what’s possible when innovation and human-centred design come together.”
Dr Appolinaire Etoundi
The Team:
Our team, known as SPARK (Specialists in Prosthetic Advancements and Rehabilitation Kinetics), consists of engineers, designers, researchers, physiotherapists, and sport rehabilitation specialists. This diverse and multidisciplinary team, for which UWE Bristol leads the collaboration with two startup companies, allows us to take a holistic approach, blending engineering and technology with human physiology and biomechanics.
“By involving amputees in the design process, we’ve created a prosthetic solution that is more than just functional—it is life-changing.”
Dr Nic Brink, Part of the SPARK team
We believe our collaborative and agile methodology helps us address complex challenges and develop robust solutions for our pilot, Igor Burkovetskyy.
“As a pilot, I’m thrilled to be part of this project. The prosthetic leg developed by the team has given me a renewed sense of freedom and possibility. I’m excited to see what we can achieve together at CYBATHLON.”
Igor Burkovetskyy, SPARK team pilot
The Future:
Beyond CYBATHLON, our goal is to further refine our prosthetic technology and engage with leading prosthetic companies such as Ottobock and Össur for potential collaborations. We are also pursuing patent applications for several components, including the socket, bio-inspired knee joint, and ankle joint, to protect our innovations and generate revenue streams.
“Working on this project as a collaborator has been a deeply rewarding experience. Seeing how our technology can potentially transform lives is incredibly motivating.”
Tribonix Ltd and Rose Industries Ltd CEOs
Furthermore, we aim to advance our Technology Readiness Level (TRL) from 4 to 5, demonstrating the commercial potential of our prosthetic solutions. We will continue working closely with stakeholders to gather feedback and improve our designs, ensuring we meet real-world needs.
“CYBATHLON is an unparalleled opportunity to validate our work as a UWE multidisciplinary team in a real-world competitive setting, and we are thrilled to be part of it.”
Mrs Ellen Cook, part of the SPARK team.