Engineer advances design of more humanistic prosthetics

David Yeudall, the founder of Infinity DPM, was part of the inaugural cohort of the six-month accelerator initiative, which concluded this month (July). The programme supports entrepreneurs in robotics, AI, and advanced engineering to bring their innovative ideas to market.

During his time in the programme, Yeudall made significant strides on various upper limb prosthetic projects. A major innovation in his work involves using softer, warmer materials to develop prosthetics that are more human-like compared to traditional rigid designs.

Yeudall's work is particularly timely for the prosthetics industry, with the global market valued at over $6.7 billion and projected to grow to $9.8 billion by 2032. This growth reflects the increasing demand for advanced, comfortable prosthetic solutions that can greatly enhance users' quality of life.

A 2021 study published in the US National Library of Medicine noted: “While commercial prostheses present rigid mechanical structures, emerging trends in the design of robotic hands are moving towards soft technologies.” The study also pointed out that “lack of comfort and function remain persistent reasons for upper limb prosthesis abandonment.”

“Traditional prosthetics can often feel cold, stiff, or uncomfortable for users,” said Yeudall. “We're aiming to change that by developing softer, warmer materials that feel more humanistic. Our goal is to create prosthetics that not only restore functionality but also feel more natural and comfortable for daily use. This approach could make a significant difference in the lives of people who rely on prosthetics, potentially improving their quality of life and expanding their capabilities.

“The DeepTech LaunchPad programme has been instrumental in advancing our work. Access to the National Robotarium's facilities at Heriot-Watt, particularly its 3D printing capabilities, allowed us to rapidly prototype and refine our designs. The programme also provided invaluable engineering validation and helped us articulate and pursue our core mission as a business: restoring functionality to amputees in a way that's more accessible and comfortable.”

Jamie Allan, Heriot-Watt University's DeepTech Launchpad programme leader, said: “David's progress exemplifies what we aimed to achieve with this programme, which marks an incredibly exciting step in strengthening Scotland's innovation ecosystem. By providing deep tech entrepreneurs with the resources and connections they need, we're helping to bring transformative technologies to market faster. This not only benefits the entrepreneurs but also has the potential to significantly impact people's lives across various sectors, from medical devices to sustainability.

“As a global university, Heriot-Watt is uniquely positioned to help entrepreneurs translate their ideas into commercially viable solutions. Through the DeepTech LaunchPad, we've leveraged our world-leading facilities like the National Robotarium and our vast network of industry connections, in addition to the business and commercialisation expertise of the University’s Enterprise Team, to accelerate cutting-edge research toward commercial success on the global stage.

“The success of this pilot programme demonstrates how we're empowering the translation of deep science into real-world impact. It's a crucial piece in Scotland's entrepreneurial ecosystem, enabling the creation of high-growth businesses with world-changing potential that can compete on an international scale. We look forward to continuing our engagement with these innovators and expanding the programme to foster even more groundbreaking technologies in the future.”

The DeepTech LaunchPad initiative, supported by Barclays Eagle Labs through the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology Digital Growth Grant, provided organisations with access to tailored business support services, facilities, and equipment within Heriot-Watt and the National Robotarium. This centre for robotics and artificial intelligence is located at the University’s Edinburgh campus.