DRDO and AIIMS Bibinagar Unveil ADIDOC: A Game-Changing Carbon Fibre Foot Prosthesis under ₹20,000
In a landmark achievement that reinforces India’s vision of self-reliance under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative, the Defence Research and Development Organisation’s (DRDO) Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL), in collaboration with AIIMS Bibinagar, has successfully unveiled ADIDOC – an Advanced Carbon Fibre Foot Prosthesis. This high-performance, low-cost innovation is set to revolutionize mobility for thousands of amputees across the country.
What is ADIDOC?
ADIDOC stands for Advanced Design Innovation for a Dynamic Orthotic Component. It is a carbon fibre foot prosthesis designed to deliver world-class biomechanical efficiency at a fraction of the cost of imported prosthetic feet. While similar devices from foreign manufacturers typically cost around ₹2 lakh, the ADIDOC prosthesis will be priced below ₹20,000, making it highly accessible to economically disadvantaged sections.
Aatmanirbhar Bharat Gets a Major Boost in Affordable Healthcare Innovation : Key Features ADIDOC
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Material Used | Aerospace-grade Carbon Fibre, known for lightweight strength and durability |
| Biomechanical Testing | Rigorously tested for shock absorption, flexibility, and load-bearing capacity |
| Weight Group Customization | Designed for varied body weights, ensuring optimal performance and comfort |
| Standard Compliance | Matches global biomechanical and functional standards |
| Affordability | Priced under ₹20,000 vs ₹2 lakh for imported models |
| Indigenous Development | 100% Made in India, developed under DRDO’s technology initiative |
Benefits for Amputees in India
- Enhanced Mobility: The design ensures ease of movement and comfort during prolonged use, even in rugged rural environments.
- Social Inclusion: Affordable prostheses can enable amputees to return to work, pursue education, and live more independent lives.
- Custom Fit: ADIDOC accommodates various user needs based on weight, activity level, and terrain adaptability.
- Reduced Import Dependency: Saves foreign exchange and encourages indigenous R&D in healthcare technology.
A Synergy of Defence and Medicine
The partnership between DRDL (under DRDO) and AIIMS Bibinagar is a model collaboration, combining cutting-edge defence technology with clinical expertise. While DRDL provided advanced material design and structural engineering capabilities, AIIMS Bibinagar contributed with patient-centric testing and biomechanical validation.
This collaboration ensures that the product is not just technically advanced, but also clinically effective and ergonomically validated for long-term human use.
Why This Innovation Matters
India has an estimated 5 lakh amputees, with thousands more added annually due to road accidents, diabetes, and conflict-related injuries. Quality prostheses are often out of reach for most patients due to high import costs. ADIDOC changes that narrative. It reflects:
- The democratization of assistive technology
- A self-reliant India (Aatmanirbhar Bharat) ethos
- The blending of defence research and public health
Next Steps
The ADIDOC foot prosthesis is expected to be introduced through:
- Government hospitals
- Artificial limb fitting centres
- Armed Forces Medical Services
- NGOs like ALIMCO and Jaipur Foot
DRDO also plans to transfer the technology to Indian manufacturers to scale up production and make it widely available across India, especially in rural and underserved regions.
Voices from the Launch
“ADIDOC is not just a device; it’s a symbol of hope, independence, and India’s engineering excellence.”
— Senior Scientist, DRDL
“We are proud to be part of a mission that gives dignity and confidence back to patients.”
— AIIMS Bibinagar Official
Conclusion
The launch of ADIDOC is more than just a technological milestone – it is a transformative step towards inclusive growth and equitable healthcare. By making advanced prosthetic solutions accessible and affordable, India reaffirms its commitment to the welfare of every citizen under the spirit of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas”.
This indigenous innovation showcases how collaborative R&D, powered by national missions like Aatmanirbhar Bharat, can significantly improve lives, reduce import dependence, and place India on the global map of medical technology pioneers.
Sources:
- Press Information Bureau (PIB): DRDO-AIIMS ADIDOC Launch
- DRDO Official Communication
- AIIMS Bibinagar Clinical Reports
