The Orthopedic University Hospital Heidelberg and Fraunhofer IPA have expanded their long-standing research partnership by jointly founding a competence center. A focus of the international expert groups – »Motion Lab« at the University Hospital, led by
Dr. Sebastian Wolf, and the Fraunhofer IPA »Biomechatronic Systems« department headed up by Dr. Urs Schneider – was to investigate, develop and medically improve aids such as orthotics and prosthetics as well as other auxiliary systems for people with restricted mobility.

The cooperation covered research, development and testing of orthopaedic aids. The findings are set to be used in clinical patient treatment. A core issue here is methodological research for evidence-based patient treatment.

Dr. Urs Schneider: »The combination of clinical and metrological experiences creates powerful synergies for questions of the future such as MDR-compliant type documentation approval for orthopaedic aids.« Dr. Sebastian Wolf, who coordinates the competence center together with Urban Daub, Project Leader at Fraunhofer IPA, was delighted: »Patients, medical cost insurers, manufacturers, orthopaedic technology experts, doctors and researchers are all welcome to contribute to the discussion.«