Ottobock embraces digital technologies for the 2024 Paralympics I Invitation to digital workshop tours
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Technical service 4.0: Ottobock embraces digital technologies for the 2024 Paralympics
Digitised workshop processes and 3D printing technologies to support athletes more efficiently
In exactly one month’s time, the Ottobock Technical Repair Service Center will open its doors, providing state-of-the-art technology and digitised processes to support the athletes of the 2024 Paralympic Games. As a long-standing partner of the International Paralympic Committee (IPC), Ottobock will be providing its technical service ten days before the start of the Games.
With a 164-strong team from 41 nations that speaks 32 languages, Ottobock ensures that athletes can take part in the competitions, even if something breaks or needs to be replaced on their devices.
Pit stop at Ottobock
The Technical Repair Service Center operates much like a Formula 1 pit stop: Athletes hand in their broken wheelchairs, prostheses and other devices that need to be repaired. Depending on how much time is left before the competition, the team has to act quickly. Thanks to digitalised work processes, from registration and documentation to 3D printing, the Technical Repair Service Center is more efficient than ever.
More efficient and convenient treatment
One example of the optimised processes is the fabrication of a new socket for transtibial amputees. Instead of making a time-consuming plaster cast, the residual limb is now scanned within 15 minutes. This is not only more convenient for the person receiving treatment, but also faster. The subsequent processing of the scan on the computer only takes 15 to 20 minutes, compared to one and a half hours of manual modelling. A check socket is 3D printed within 24 hours – without requiring support from a technician.
Three 3D printers are available in the Technical Repair Service Center for this purpose: one for check sockets, one for insoles and one for spare parts. Carbon fibre-reinforced printing coils are used to guarantee additional stability.
Julian Napp, Technical Director at the Technical Repair Service Center in Paris and Master Orthopaedic Technician at Ottobock, is looking forward to the launch: “The new digital capabilities will help us to support athletes more quickly. Time is a major factor at the Paralympics, both for the athletes and for us technicians. However, the key to success remains the expertise of the team. Athletes can rely on our team’s creativity, solution-oriented approach and experience, combined with the latest technology.”
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Would you like to take a look behind the scenes?
Take an exclusive look at the Ottobock Technical Repair Service Center during a virtual tour. Peter Franzel, Head of Global Events, Exhibitions & Sports, and his team will guide you through the Technical Repair Service Center. You can experience first-hand how our technicians work and ask questions.
Dates for the virtual tour:
- In German: Wednesday, 21 August 2024 at 3 p.m. (CET) The virtual tour will be followed by a roundtable discussion on the topic of “Sports prostheses treatment in Germany”. The discussion partner will be Heinrich Popow, former para-athlete and gold medallist.
- In French: Thursday, 22 August 2024 at 3 p.m. (CET)
- In English: Thursday, 22 August 2024 at 6 p.m. (CET)
Please register at presse@ottobock.de. We will be happy to send you the login information.
About Ottobock
For more than 100 years, Ottobock has been developing innovative fitting solutions for people with reduced mobility. As a Human Empowerment Company, Ottobock promotes freedom of movement, quality of life and independence. This is supported by more than 9,000 employees. Through their innovative strength, outstanding technical solutions and services in the fields of Prosthetics, Orthotics, NeuroMobility and Patient Care, they enable people in 135 countries to live the lives they want. Founded in 1919, the company continues to set new standards and drive the digitalisation of the industry – together with its partners, medical supply companies and international research institutions – as the global market leader in wearable human bionics. Since 2018, Ottobock has been transferring its expertise in biomechanics to exoskeletons for ergonomic workplaces. The company’s international activities are coordinated from its head office in Duderstadt in the German state of Lower Saxony. Ottobock has been supporting the Paralympic Games with its technical expertise since 1988.
Anna Sophia Heinrich Corporate Communications
Ottobock SE & Co. KGaA Prenzlauer Allee 242 | 10405 Berlin | Deutschland T +49 151 64062757 | annasophia.heinrich@ottobock.de | www.ottobock.com
