People with disabilities in Indonesia, especially those with above knee amputations, still face difficulties in obtaining assistive devices such as lightweight and easily adjustable prosthetic legs. The availability of prosthetic knees in Indonesia is still limited by technology or is considered simple, so they can’t meet their needs. Prosthetic legs with modern technology are imported with better performance, but a new problem arises. The unaffordable price means that not all disabled people have the ability to own these imported prosthetic legs. 

Recognizing the aforementioned core issue, the Biomechanics research team from the Machine Design Research Group in the Department of Mechanical Engineering (FTMD), led by Dr. Eng. Sandro Mihradi, has introduced an innovation called the Multi-Axis Prosthetic Leg with a rotator feature for individuals with above-knee amputations. Since 2014, this team has been conducting research and development on prosthetic legs, starting with the design of a multi-axis prosthetic knee with a rotator feature. The design has obtained a patent (IDP000073081) and is currently in the development phase for mass production through the Kedaireka Matching Fund program in 2022. This multi-axis prosthetic leg offers several advantages over conventional prosthetic legs, as explained in the following section.

Adjustable Socket 

The first advantage is the adjustable socket. The volume of this socket can be adjusted to the remaining limb of above knee amputation patients. This technology is more comfortable to use because its volume can adjust to the remaining limb of the patient, which may shrink over time. 

Rotator 

Another advantage is the rotator that makes it easier for the user to perform various movements. Conventional prosthetic legs can only perform two movements: flexion and extension. The available rotator component allows the user to sit cross-legged and perform some prayer movements. 

Prosthetic Knee Technology 

Another advantage is the Prosthetic Knee Technology. The Prosthetic Knee Technology uses a four-bar linkage mechanism to design the pivot point location for users. The function of this technology is to regulate stability so that users can walk more easily compared to using conventional prosthetic legs. 

Polymer as Material 

The raw material of this multi-axis prosthetic leg also has its own advantages. The choice of polymer material is intended when mass production, the price can be cheaper than most prosthetic legs made of metal. 

It can be concluded that this multi-axis prosthetic leg has better performance, provides ease and comfort, and is affordable. 

Now, the multi-axis prosthetic leg innovation is also starting to be produced in mass. Furthermore, this innovation is also in the business preparation stage or what is called commercialization. 

One of the business models that will be carried out is cooperation with the Independent Disabled Creativity Foundation, especially prosthetic leg craftsmen. The cooperation carried out is that the craftsmen will assemble prosthetic legs where the design has already adopted the concept mentioned above. 

Previously, the researchers also collaborated with the charity organization called Rumah Amal Salman. Rumah Amal Salman carried out donations and fundraising from the general public for the provision of prosthetic knees in conjunction with the International Disability Day on December 3, 2022. These donations were then given to people with disabilities who needed them in the form of prosthetic knees.