CPO/Inventor Beyond Borders with Jochen Weigel
Description
Jochen Weigel from Stuttgart, Germany joins us to discuss his innovative contributions to prosthetics, including post-processing for Niagara feet and the development of the AirFit casting system.
• Jochen's journey from clinical specialist to R&D manager to starting his own business 13 years ago
• The AirFit system uses air pressure instead of water to create comfortable prosthetic sockets
• Air pressure uniquely compresses only soft tissue while preserving bony structures
• Testing in Kenya combined the AirFit system with low-temperature thermoplastic sockets for immediate fitting
• The Niagara foot provides exceptional durability compared to SACH feet commonly used in developing regions
• Made with special DuPont material (Hydrel) through a complex molding process few can replicate
• The foot works across weight ranges from 70-190 pounds when properly tuned
• High initial cost compared to $20 Chinese alternatives creates adoption challenges despite long-term savings
• Ways to help include volunteering with NGOs, making targeted donations, or collaborating with small companies
If you have ideas for prosthetic products that could help in developing regions, reach out to smaller companies who are more likely to be interested in humanitarian solutions.
Special thanks to Advanced 3D for sponsoring this episode.
United States
