IIT Madras launches India’s first indigenously developed Prosthetic Knee

Not just mobility, Kadam also aims to improve the quality of life of users through increased community participation, access to education, livelihood opportunities and overall well-being.

Indian Institute of Technology Madras Researchers launched India’s first indigenously developed Polycentric Prosthetic Knee. The initiative taken by IIT-M researchers aims to improve the quality of life for thousands of above-knee amputees. polycentric knee for Above Knee Prosthesis developed in association with Society for Biomedical Technology (SBMT) and Mobility India named ‘Kadam, is a ‘Made in India’ product.

According to the official press note, Kadam makes it possible for above-knee amputees to walk with a comfortable gait. Not just mobility, it also aims to improve the quality of life of users through increased community participation, access to education, livelihood opportunities and overall well-being.

Unique Aspects of Kadam

• Suitable for short/long residual limbs after transfemoral (above-knee) amputation.
• Polycentric 4-bar knee joint provides the user better control of flexion-extension.
• Made of high strength materials: Aluminium alloy - Al 6061 T6, Stainless steel-SS 304.
• Customizable stability adjustment depending on the user’s need.
• Frictional swing control adjustment for different walking speeds.
• Patented 4-bar geometry (Indian Patent No. 338006) provides stability even on uneven terrain, and improved ground clearance.
• Provides maximum knee flexion of 160 degrees or more (range limited by socket).
• Multi-centric user testing conducted with users walking on different surfaces and steep slopes.
• ISO 10328 Compliant for Proof strength, Ultimate Strength, Fatigue Strength for P4 condition (80 kg user weight)

A team at TTK Center for Rehabilitation Research and Device Development (R2D2) at IIT Madras developed Kadam, which also developed and commercialized ‘Arise,’ the country's first standing wheelchair and NeoFly-NeoBolt: active wheelchair and motorized add-on for seamless indoor-outdoor mobility. R2D2 is involved in research related to human movement, and the design and development of rehabilitation and assistive devices for people with movement impairments, the official press note said.

SBMT, which supported the development, was established under DRDO by former President Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam to enable indigenous medical device development. Mobility India, an NGO in Bengaluru, will mass manufacture and take Kadam to the market along with overseeing the processes of fitment and training and ensuring easy access for the users.

Thiru Johny Tom Varghese IAS, State Commissioner for Persons with Disability, Government of Tamil Nadu, Professor V Kamakoti, Director, IIT Madras, Professor Sujatha Srinivasan, Faculty Head, TTK Center for Rehabilitation Research and Device Development (R2D2), IIT Madras, and other faculty, researchers and students launched Kadam at IIT Madras campus on April 8, 2022. 

Addressing the launch event virtually, Thiru Johny Tom Varghese IAS, State Commissioner for Persons with Disability, Government of Tamil Nadu, said, “What bridges the world of a Differently Abled Person with that of others is technology. It is phenomenal to see how technology can usher in inclusion in all walks of life. Kadam is one such innovation, along with other similarly path-breaking products that came out of R2D2 IIT Madras, which will make technology accessible and affordable!”

Designed for durability with high-strength stainless steel and aluminum alloy

Kadam has advantages over a hinge joint because of the multiple axes of rotation, which provide the user greater control over the prosthesis while walking and maximum knee flexion of 160 degrees to make it easy to sit in cramped spaces like buses and autos. It is designed for durability with high-strength stainless steel and aluminum alloy along with hard chrome plated EN8 pins and high fatigue life polymer bushings.

Congratulating the Researchers on the successful commercialization of Kadam, Prof V Kamakoti, Director, IIT Madras, said, “The need for Technology to meet health and medicine is crucial for a healthy future.  The Kadam is yet another example to justify this need.  We, at IIT Madras are very happy that our Research and Development efforts are translating to products that could be of benefit to mankind.”

Highlighting the unique aspects of Kadam in comparison with existing products, Professor Sujatha Srinivasan, Head, TTK Center for Rehabilitation Research and Device Development (R2D2), IIT Madras, said, “Functional needs, socioeconomic and environmental challenges of Indian users are unique. Kadam’s user-centric design takes these into account. It meets international quality standards while being 4-5 times more affordable than comparable imported knees. ”

Read More: