Innovative STEETS module: Safe placement of walking aids

An innovative idea in the field of mobility devices comes onto the market: the STEETS module makes it possible to place walking aids safely and stably. After four years of intensive development and testing, three students from Dortmund University of Applied Sciences and Arts and Paderborn University and Paderborn University of Applied Sciences and Arts present their final product.

It is an invention that should make life easier for millions of people who are dependent on walking aids. Phil Janßen, one of the developers, presents the new solution: A small module that is attached to crutches and equipped with four small legs. These ensure that the walking aid can no longer fall over. The system is easy to operate: The crutch can be set down in free space with a flick of the wrist. As soon as the body weight is applied to the crutch again, the system closes automatically thanks to the integrated mechanism. The STEETS module is compatible with European crutches and can be easily retrofitted.

Simple assembly and high demand

Together with industrial engineer and biomedical technician Thorben Engel, an old school friend, and business economist Philipp Battisti, Janßen developed the idea for the crutch support. Demand is already high before the official product launch, as the team has already made a name for itself in many competitions in recent years. The awards they have received include the iCapital Award for young founders in Dortmund and at greenhouse.ruhr, the start-up competition organized by the University of Applied Sciences and Business Development, as well as the OWL Innovation Award from OstWestfalenLippe GmbH.

Interdisciplinary cooperation as the key to success

The three students were supported by the start-up service at Dortmund University of Applied Sciences and Arts and the Dr. Becker Rhein-Sieg-Klinik, which specializes in rehabilitation. "STEETS shows how important interdisciplinary collaboration is to get something new off the ground," emphasizes Erdme Brüning, start-up mentor at the Dortmund University of Applied Sciences and Arts.

Dr. Klaus M. Peters from the Dr. Becker Rhein-Sieg-Klinik has accompanied the young start-up and praises the idea, especially with regard to fall prevention. "The carefree placement of the crutch in an open space not only helps to make everyday life easier for those affected, but also enables users to grasp the crutch safely and quickly if they lose their balance thanks to the STEETS placement aid," says Prof. Peters.