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Background
The South African Radio Astronomy Observatory (SARAO) Mechanical Engineering team is addressing the critical lack of access to prosthetics in South Africa, especially for those reliant on public healthcare. Thousands, including many children, face years-long waits for prosthetic devices in state hospitals, impacting their mobility and quality of life. The project aims to make certified, high-quality prosthetics accessible and affordable to all South Africans.
Technology Overview
The project has developed low-cost, South African-designed lower limb prosthetic devices that include foot and knee components. Innovations include a prototype ankle rotation sensing system, advanced knee designs with compensation systems, and patient interface technologies that reduce fitting times using advanced polymers curing quickly. These will be certified in-house using the ISO-accredited prosthetic certification test facility that meets SAHPRA, SABS, and international standards. The certification facility is currently in development.
Benefits
This initiative reduces waiting times, improves access to safe and reliable prosthetics, and enhances patient mobility and independence. The certified prosthetics will build confidence among manufacturers and healthcare providers while ensuring user safety. Innovations reduce fitting time from weeks to hours and enable smoother prosthetic functionality, significantly improving patient comfort and quality of life
Applications
Prosthetics developed through this project are intended for broad use across public healthcare facilities in South Africa, with ongoing trials involving specialist prosthetists and patient fittings. The certification facility will also support other manufacturers by providing qualified data packs for safe prosthetic production. Ethical and transparent practices guide trials, patient care, and data sharing.
Opportunities
The project offers collaboration opportunities with healthcare providers, charities, manufacturers, and international accreditation bodies. It also has potential for knowledge transfer to other African countries with similar prosthetic access challenges. Funding and advanced testing equipment acquisition are ongoing, inviting partners and industry stakeholders to join in expanding access to certified prosthetics.
IP STATUS – Proprietary knowhow from SARAO Mechanical Engineering team.
No patents filed; innovations in ankle sensing, knee designs, and polymers.
Protected under SARAO/NRF IP policy.
LOOKING FOR – Healthcare providers and charities for trials.
Manufacturers for production scaling.
Funding for certification facility and equipment.
