The nationwide Digital Day on 27 June 2025 sets itself the task of demonstrating how modern technologies and artificial intelligence can contribute to the well-being of all. Ottobock, a medium-sized company from South Lower Saxony, is a pioneer in the field of orthopaedic technology. It combines traditional craftsmanship with intelligent, digital technologies with the aim of further developing existing standards in the industry.

“Innovation is an inherent part of our DNA. We create digital solutions that focus on people and their individual requirements. In doing so, we are addressing current societal challenges such as the shortage of skilled workers, health or administrative burdens,’ says Martin Böhm, Chief Experience Officer at Ottobock.

A 3D scanner instead of plaster: Digitalising the fitting process

To this day, plaster casts are made in order to fit prostheses and orthoses for users as effectively as possible. Ottobock relies on a 3D scan here: Body parts can be measured to millimetre accuracy and the resulting data processed on a PC within minutes. AI compensates for blurring or inaccuracies during the scanning process. The result is a digital twin that can be reproduced at any time in consistently high quality. Whether prosthetic sockets, liners or orthotic helmets for young children – the devices are then fabricated in the iFab from Ottobock – sometimes using a 3D printers. The TransferScandigital solution enables accurate interior measurements of test and interim sockets and transfers the data precisely to the definitive socket. This means patients don’t have to do without their prosthesis for days but stay mobile until the final fitting. The 3D L.A.S.A.R. Posturesupports optimal prosthetic alignment duringthis process. A force measurement plate records patients’ measurement data while O&P professionals record them using a tablet camera. The data is integrated live into the image. This allows the device to be fine-tuned more quickly and precisely.

The entire digital process not only makes patient care in the medical supply company more convenient but also reduces the amount of work involved. This leaves more time for one-on-one conversations.

Working smarter in the medical supply company

Not only is the fitting process becoming more digital, but the workshop benefits as well: The Ottobock work.hub gives busy professionals a quick comprehensive overview of the machine status, work progresses and maintenance intervals – directly on their smartphone. This reduces downtime and makes processes more efficient.

smart documentation addresses one of the biggest bureaucratic hurdles faced by O&P professionals: the extensive documentation requirements. Even the smallest errors in device applications can lead to rejection by health insurers. AI supports this by proposing wording for the reimbursement application. It incorporates information provided by O&P professionals as well as biomechanical patient data from gait analysis videos, which can also be created and evaluated directly using the digital solution.

The future is connected

“We are already able to implement the complete lower limb fitting process digitally. In this way, we are giving O&P professionals freedom in view of the increasing time pressure in patient care. Thanks to modern technology, we can also plan, design and equip the workshops digitally,” explains Böhm.

Ottobock’s Chief Experience Officer clearly sees how digitalisation will move society further forward in the future: with the help of lifelounge. As a digital ecosystem, it puts people first and brings together all those involved in the quality of life of people with disabilities, such as hospitals, medical supply companies, medical technology companies and O&P professionals. lifelounge not only offers digital solutions and apps for professionals, but also provides personalised treatment journeys. This ensures the best possible, patient-centred treatment – in every phase.