The moment we think of cane, the things that immediately come to our mind are furniture and walking sticks. But that is not all. A Bengaluru-based startup called Rise Legs is a part of Rise Design Labs. It has developed different types of prosthetic legs based on a cane.
The Founder of this startup, Arun Cherian was working on making wearable exoskeletal suits in the United States. When he chanced upon a cane. He thought it as a potential material while his visit to India. He then realized that if a cane can be twisted to make furniture. It can also support the body, exactly like our legs do. On having a conversation with the artisans who use a cane for furniture. He realized its potential and decided to start up the Rise Design Labs.
This product is priced at a similar rate as the famous Jaipur foot which is heavier in weight and is more inflexible. It provides total functionality close to the expensive carbon fiber prostheses available. Rise Legs has now partnered with sports, dance along with martial arts schools for helping amputees lead an active and fulfilling life.
Rise Legs sources most of the materials from the forests in India, especially from the North East. The team has also conducted studies in order to figure out which varieties of the cane can be used for making prosthetics. Also in the process, they have designed a custom-fit wheelchair out from a cane frame for the use in sports.
Rise Legs was setting up a team for representing India at the Cybathlon, which is an athletic event where individuals having physical disabilities can compete in six demanding disciplines while using assistive technologies. The event was held in Zurich in the month of October 2016.
Here’s How Cane Prosthetics Work
This product is so perfect! The low-cost prosthetic leg which is eco-friendly! This is a boon for the disabled people. Rise Legs startup has a long way to go. Have a look at another startup which is making tableware out of sugarcane! Yes, you read it right. Find out more here.