India has unveiled its first indigenously developed carbon fibre foot prosthesis, named ADIDOC (AIIMS Bibinagar–DRDL, DRDO Indigenously Developed Optimised Carbon Foot Prosthesis). Jointly developed by DRDL (DRDO) and AIIMS Bibinagar, this high-performance, cost-effective prosthetic is aimed at providing world-class assistive technology to lower limb amputees in India, especially those from low-income backgrounds.
Key Features of ADIDOC Foot Prosthesis
- High-Performance Material: Made of carbon fibre, a strong, lightweight material commonly used in advanced prosthetics globally.
- Load-Bearing: Biomechanically tested for users weighing up to 125 kg.
- Variants:
- Three variants based on weight categories.
- One model specially tailored for longer below-knee stumps.
- Target User Level: Designed for K3-level amputees – those with the potential for community ambulation and mobility on uneven terrain.
- Production Cost: Estimated at only ₹20,000, making it highly affordable compared to current imported prosthetic feet (~₹2 lakh).
- Accessibility Goal: Aims to bring high-quality prosthetics within reach of low-income amputees across India.
- Designed to match international standards, the ADIDOC foot offers durability, biomechanical efficiency, and affordability.
Strategic & Social Significance
- Supports ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ by reducing dependency on expensive foreign technologies.
- Boosts domestic innovation in medical assistive devices—a sector with high global demand.
- Expected to transform lives of thousands of amputees by enabling mobility, productivity, and independence.
- Aids in the social and economic inclusion of persons with disabilities by offering a dignified, functional solution.
About DRDL (Defence Research & Development Laboratory)
- Established: Under DRDO, Ministry of Defence.
- Location: Hyderabad, Telangana.
- Core Focus: Design & development of missile systems for Indian Armed Forces.
- Key Domains:
- Aerodynamics, Propulsion (solid, liquid, ramjet, scramjet)
- Precision fabrication, systems analysis
- Command & control systems
Major Weapons Systems Developed by DRDL
- Akash: Surface-to-air missile
- Astra: Beyond Visual Range (BVR) air-to-air missile
- Nag: Anti-tank guided missile
- QRSAM: Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missile
- Hypersonic Tech: In Jan 2025, DRDL successfully tested an active cooled scramjet combustor at its Hyderabad facility.
About AIIMS Bibinagar:
- Operates under PMSSY (Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana), Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
- Located in Telangana, AIIMS Bibinagar is a newly established institute focusing on specialised medical education, research, and healthcare delivery.