2024 Paralympics: Ottobock digitalizes technical service

In less than a month, the Ottobock Technical Repair Service Center will open its doors to support the athletes of the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games with state-of-the-art technology and digitalized processes. Ottobock is a long-standing partner of the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) and will be offering its technical service ten days before the start of the Games.

International team for worldwide support

On site, the 164-strong team from 41 nations, speaking 32 languages, is the heart of the workshop. It ensures that aids are available for every competition – regardless of whether only individual parts need to be replaced or the sports aids break. Participation in competitions is guaranteed.

Pit stop at Ottobock: quick help for participants

The workshop works in a similar way to the pit stop in Formula 1: athletes bring in their defective wheelchairs, prostheses and other aids. Depending on how much time they have left until the next competition, quick action is required. To make the work processes more efficient than ever, they have been digitized – from registration and documentation to 3D printing.

The example of a new socket for transtibial amputees illustrates the more efficient and more comfortable treatment for the individual:

• Faster scans: Instead of time-consuming plaster casts, the residual limb is now scanned in 15 minutes.
• Efficient processing: The digital processing of the scan only takes 15 to 20 minutes – instead of one and a half hours of manual modeling.
• Fast 3D printing: A check socket is printed within 24 hours. Technicians are not required for this step.

Innovative 3D printing technology

Three 3D printers are available for such applications: one for check sockets, one for insoles and one for spare parts. The use of carbon fiber-reinforced printing coils provides additional stability.

Success factor: a competent team

Julian Napp, Technical Director of the Technical Repair Service Center in Paris and Master Orthopaedic Technician at Ottobock, emphasizes: "The new digital capabilities will help us to support athletes more quickly. Time is a major factor at the Paralympics, both for the athletes and for us technicians. However, the key to success remains the expertise of the team. Athletes can rely on our team’s creativity, solution-oriented approach and experience, combined with the latest technology."