New assistive devices support greater independence in bladder and bowel management

26.08.2026

Some people with spinal cord injuries or multiple sclerosis need assistance with bladder and bowel management. Fraunhofer IPA has developed two prototypes designed to make bladder catheterization and bowel management easier to manage without assistance: 2LIP and 4ROSE. Both assistive devices will be presented at REHACARE 2026 in Düsseldorf, where visitors can see the current prototypes and learn about their development.

In brief: Assistive devices for greater independence

2LIP supports women with independent bladder catheterization by improving positioning and visual access.
4ROSE uses mirrors and guiding elements to support precise and safe catheter insertion for bowel management
Both prototypes are still under development and will be presented at REHACARE 2026 in Hall 1, Stand C28.

Why bladder catheterization can require assistance

4ROSE (front) and 2LIP (back) are shown together in a bathroom setting

4ROSE (front) is intended for bowel management, while 2LIP (back) supports bladder catheterization. Both prototypes were developed at Fraunhofer IPA. © AI generated / Fraunhofer IPA

For some people with spinal cord injuries or multiple sclerosis, neurogenic bladder or bowel dysfunction can make independent toileting difficult. Catheters and other assistive devices can support bladder and bowel emptying, but some users still need help from family members or care professionals.

Fraunhofer IPA developed 2LIP specifically to support women who want to catheterize their bladder independently. Because of anatomical factors, self-catheterization can be more difficult for women and may require assistance. Needing assistance can affect privacy and self-determination and, according to Fraunhofer IPA, may also increase the risk of injury and infection.

2LIP is designed to keep the legs and labia apart, while a mirror provides a clearer view during catheterization. A light can be attached if needed. This leaves both hands free for catheter insertion. Fraunhofer IPA says the prototype is the first assistive device to combine several of these functions in one system.

A second prototype for bowel management

The second prototype, 4ROSE, focuses on bowel management. It is designed to help users insert catheters or other assistive devices for bowel emptying more precisely and safely. Two mirrors and guiding elements are intended to improve the user’s view and make positioning easier.

The aim is to reduce the risk of injury and enable users to manage bowel emptying without assistance from another person. In bowel management, both women and men may require support with catheterization.

Developed with users and healthcare professionals

The ideas for 2LIP and 4ROSE originated in the MakerSpace at the University of Stuttgart. Urs Schneider, Scientific Director for Health and Bioproduction Engineering at Fraunhofer IPA, uses the space for master's courses in biomechatronics and works with students on solutions to medical challenges.

According to Fraunhofer IPA, people with lived experience, medical professionals, and therapists were involved in developing the first concepts and prototypes. Requirements related to risk and quality management and medical device regulation were considered throughout the development process

The developers say their goal is to support greater privacy and self-determination in everyday continence care.

A woman using a wheelchair holds the 2LIP prototype in an accessible bathroom

2LIP is designed to support women with independent bladder catheterization by assisting with positioning and providing a clearer view during use. © AI generated / Fraunhofer IPA

From functional prototypes to further development

Both 2LIP and 4ROSE have reached the functional prototype stage. Before they can be brought to market, further development and validation are required. The team is working to refine the prototypes, further improve their usability and meet regulatory requirements for medical devices. The developers also plan to involve additional users in the next stages of development.

In the longer term, they intend to establish the startup free living GmbH and develop further assistive devices for independent continence management as well as urogenital and anal care.

Visitors can see 2LIP and 4ROSE at REHACARE 2026 in Düsseldorf from September 23 to 26. Fraunhofer IPA will present the prototypes in Hall 1, Stand C28.

REHACARE.com; Source: Fraunhofer IPA

More about Fraunhofer IPA at: www.ipa.fraunhofer.de/en

Learn more about self-determined continence at REHACARE 2026 in our eMag overview

Editor: Felix Halm | REHACARE eMag

Felix Halm writes for the REHACARE eMag about current developments in assistive technology, accessibility and independent living. He presents these topics in a clear and accessible way, with an open mind toward new perspectives.