This week in class we were able to interact with Milestone Labs and we also worked with circuit boards. When working with Milestone labs, for group 1, we interacted with Milestone Labs about the upcoming prototypes. We talked about the many ways in which this project could go when working with designing a tread. Group 1 has the potential of using this invention to work on many different treads and group 1 also started looking at attaching options for the tread. I feel very confident that group 1 is heading in the right direction with their ideas.
For group 2, Milestone Labs was quite impressed with the working prototypes of the knee cover for microprocessor knees. After meeting with milestone, I was able to chat with group 2 about several limitations that I would foresee when working with some of their prototypes, for example, how the knee pad would limit the range of motion for the microprocessor knee. From this information, group 2 was able to narrow down a prototype that they will keep on refining before the make-a-thin (see the first photo below). Group 2 actually made a new working prototype (see second photo) and I am also confident in their work moving forward.
Lastly, for group 6, we collaborated with Milestone Labs and also narrowed down a prototype for the leg extension that would allow increased balance skills in yoga. We decided that working with magnets would be limiting to the user because they would have to bring the same mat to yoga class, and we also didn’t see a way for this prototype to be weight bearing. In class two weeks ago, group 6 retrieving dimensions of the pylon of my microprocessor foot to begin to put together a working prototype. From this, last class group 6 decided they will 3D print their next prototype and make it dense enough for it to be weight bearing for the user. I think this is the smartest, least expensive, and highest accessible route for group 6 and I think their next prototype will be phenomenal. I found this link pretty helpful when learning more about the benefit of 3D printed prosthetics: https://www.prescouter.com/2017/07/3d-printed-prosthetics/
Hi Jenna – this is great! Definitely cool to see an update from your perspective on all the groups you’re working with. I think the next step of more “usable” prototypes will be essential so teams can start making iterations so that the last thing they create for you is customized perfectly! For group 6, we had a great call with the founder of YogaforAmputees that we can definitely fill you in on during our next chat. Have a great week!