Statistical foot modeling for a digital orthotics workflow (FOOTWORK).

FOOTWORK's innovation is to make the digital orthotics workflow robust and automated by employing statistical foot models as prior knowledge in every phase of the workflow. Measurement phase: Statistical foot models will increase the robustness of 3D scanning wrt. noise, motion, and occlusions and allowing the use of low-cost scanners to obtain 3D accurate patient-specific foot models. Analysis phase: Statistical foot models will objectify and automate the identification of foot type and pathology based on the patient's 3D foot shape and dynamic plantar pressure. Orthotic modeling phase: Statistical foot models will enable automated and consistent design of the orthotic based on the measurements, resulting in a faster and more reliable process. In addition to these technical innovations, the consortium will also target the development of an innovative online digital workflow support platform that can be used in multiple settings, e.g. retail, orthopedics, or academic research. These innovations target a more effective and efficient digital orthotics workflow by eliminating much of the operator interaction and subjective human factors. As a result, the application of a digital orthotics workflow on a large scale becomes very attractive. Such a digital process results in faster, more reliable, and more pleasant service for the customer. It is also more economical and ecological as it involves less logistics and less material waste, keeping production in Flanders feasible. Furthermore, the opportunity to separate patient measurement from further processing allows high-tech orthopedic expert centers in Flanders to efficiently serve an international market. In that way, a larger market can be addressed more efficiently.

Keywords:GATING

Disciplines:Scientific computing, Bioinformatics and computational biology, Biomechanics, Public health care, Public health services

Project type:Collaboration project