Autodesk and U.S. Paralympian, CEO & founder of BioDapt, Mike Schultz, announce partnership to advance next-generation prosthetics

Core Insights - Autodesk has partnered with BioDapt, led by Mike Schultz, to enhance high-performance prosthetics for para athletes ahead of the 2028 Los Angeles Paralympics [1] - The collaboration aims to leverage Autodesk's AI-powered Fusion platform to improve the design and manufacturing processes of prosthetic systems, making them more durable and scalable [1] Group 1: Partnership and Objectives - The partnership focuses on advancing prosthetic technology for para athletes, with an emphasis on high-performance sports [1] - BioDapt currently supports approximately 90% of lower-limb athletes competing in Para Snowboard World Cup events [1] - The collaboration will help BioDapt innovate across both winter and summer para sports, addressing the broader need for assistive products globally [1] Group 2: Technological Advancements - Autodesk's Fusion platform will consolidate years of prosthetic development into a centralized hub, enhancing design efficiency and manufacturability [1] - Key improvements include optimizing the ankle frame and binding brace for performance in cold conditions, increasing stiffness without extending 3D print time [1] - The redesign has resulted in improved durability during training, with no component failures reported since the updates [1] Group 3: Future Directions - Future explorations may include AI tools for automatic design improvements, integration of motion capture for better analysis, and advanced ankle-frame concepts using metal 3D printing [1] - The partnership aims to create a repeatable model for high-performance prosthetic innovation that can benefit a wider range of athletes [1]