Heriot-Watt University behind ground-breaking prosthetics innovation

A Scottish university has turbo-charged prosthetics research which could make life easier for millions.

David Yeudall, founder of Infinity DPM, has made significant progress in developing “more humanistic” prosthetics after taking part in Heriot-Watt University’s DeepTech LaunchPad programme.

Throughout the initiative, Yeudall who also is a former mechanical engineer for a UK prosthetics company, made significant progress in creating “more comfortable, functional, and affordable” upper limb prosthetics.

The breakthrough project comes at a time of significant economic potential for the prosthetics industry, with its global value expected to reach $9.8bn – equivalent to more than £7bn - by 2032.

Yeudall said: “Traditional prosthetics can often feel cold, stiff, or uncomfortable for users. We’re aiming to change that by developing softer, warmer materials that feel more humanistic.

“Our goal is to create prosthetics that not only restore functionality but also feel more natural and comfortable for daily use. This approach could make a significant difference in the lives of people who rely on prosthetics, potentially improving their quality of life and expanding their capabilities.”

Yeudall participated in the inaugural cohort of the six-month accelerator initiative, which he claims was “instrumental” to his team’s work. The programme allowed his team access to tailored services, facilities and equipment within the university and the National Robotarium, the UK’s centre for robotics and artificial intelligence.

He said: “Access to the National Robotarium's facilities at Heriot-Watt, particularly its 3D printing capabilities, allowed us to rapidly prototype and refine our designs. The programme also provided invaluable engineering validation and helped us articulate and pursue our core mission as a business: restoring functionality to amputees in a way that's more accessible and comfortable.”

The overall aim of the Heriot-Watt accelerator programme, which was joined by a total of six startups, was to support entrepreneurs working in deep technology research to commercialise their ideas. The programme was supported by Barclays Eagle Labs through the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology's Digital Growth Grant. 

Jamie Allan, Heriot-Watt University’s DeepTech Launchpad programme leader, said: “David’s progress exemplifies what we aimed to achieve with this programme, which marks an incredibly exciting step in strengthening Scotland’s innovation ecosystem.

“By providing deep tech entrepreneurs with the resources and connections they need, we’re helping to bring transformative technologies to market faster. This not only benefits the entrepreneurs but also has the potential to significantly impact people’s lives across various sectors, from medical devices to sustainability.”