AMBULO

Walking Aid for Children with Osteogenesis Imperfecta

Spring 2022

Winner, iF Design Talent Award 2022

Good Health + Well-being

AMBULO is a walking aid that allows children ranging from 4 to 8 years old with osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) to exercise safely and move independently in an indoor environment. Also known as brittle bone disease, OI is a group of genetic disorders that causes fragility in patients’ bones. OI patients may experience multiple bone fractures in their lifetime, largely limiting their freedom of mobility. Without exercise, OI children would permanently weaken their muscles, bringing further damage to their body. AMBULO solves this problem by allowing OI children to walk and exercise independently and safely.

Osteogenesis imperfecta is a group of genetic disorders that mainly causes fragility in bones. People with this disease have bones that fracture easily, often caused by mild external trauma, the patient’s own body movement, or even without an apparent cause. Multiple fractures are common throughout an OI patient’s life. In severe cases, it can occur even before birth. Because of their bone fragility, most of the OI patients choose to lie in beds for the majority of their time. Their disability has significantly limited their movement and mobility.

Ideation

Prototype

Made out of ash to visualize the streamlined design and examine the stability of the form

Final Design

Every design choice is made to deliver care.

Height Adjustment

Steering Mechanism

Ambulo is equipped with a body movement sensor to detect lean of the user. The sensor is connected to the rear wheels, providing nimble steering angles that allows users to move through indoor spaces effortlessly.