PAWS_ABILITY

What it does

Paws-Ability is a lightweight, affordable, and sustainable dog prosthetic that improves mobility. An AI app scans the dog to 3D print a custom fit, with a sensor attached to the harness tracking vitals — helping pets recover and guiding owners emotionally.

Your inspiration

My inspiration came from the deep emotional bond between pets and their owners. While studying how amputation affects dogs and their families, I saw a lack of affordable, sustainable, and emotionally supportive solutions. My own dog’s recovery after an amputation showed me the importance of addressing both physical and emotional healing. I wanted to merge ergonomic design, technology, and sustainability to improve dogs’ lives and ease owners’ emotional burden. I was also inspired by emerging trends in 3D printing and AI, aiming to combine both to create a meaningful, accessible solution.

How it works

Paws-Ability is a 3D-printed, modular prosthetic designed to adapt to dogs of different sizes and breeds. It consists of three main parts—body, leg, and foot—that can be easily reprinted or repaired for long-term use. A custom harness holds a rentable detachable sensor prescribed by the vet, that monitors vitals such as heart rate, oxygen levels, and activity, sending real-time data via Bluetooth to an app accessible by both owners and vets. The app uses AI to scan the dog’s body, automatically generating a 3D model to simplify ordering removing the need for casting kits - saving time, money and unnecessary CO2 emissions. The app also provides a step-by-step recovery guide, health alerts, reminders, and connects owners to vets and a community forum for emotional support. The prosthetic is made from recycled plastics, upcycled metals, and Piñatex leather, offering comfort, breathability, and durability, with swappable foot modules for different activity levels.

Design process

The project began with extensive research into human and animal prosthetics, revealing a gap in affordable, practical solutions for dogs. I interviewed the veterinarian who treated my own dog during his recovery, gaining medical insights. I also conducted a survey with 62 pet owners to understand emotional and practical needs post-amputation. Competitor analysis showed that most existing solutions were expensive, outdated in aesthetics, lacked sustainability, and often excluded emotional support for owners. Only three U.S. companies offered custom prosthetics, while European solutions were limited to wheelchairs and braces. Their process relied on casting kits that required owners to create moulds themselves, leading to errors, delays, and excessive shipping. My design process included deep anatomical studies of dog movement, weight distribution, and joint flexibility. I developed sketches, 3D-printed prototypes, and iterated harnesses for comfort and hygiene. I also created a full-scale mock-up to test FDM printing limits. Sustainability, modularity, and the sensor-integrated app were key focuses throughout development.

How it is different

Paws-Ability offers a unique combination of affordability, sustainability, and emotional support—elements often missing in pet prosthetics. Unlike existing solutions, it simplifies the ordering process through an AI-powered app that scans the dog’s body, eliminating casting kits, reducing waste, and shortening production times. Its modular design allows for easy part replacement, with rental and recycling options to lower costs and extend product life. A built-in vital sensor—rare in this market—monitors the dog’s recovery, connecting to an app that supports both owners and veterinarians. Designed with ergonomics in mind, it adapts to the dog’s size, weight, age, and activity level, ensuring comfort and proper function. Aesthetically, it avoids bright, attention-seeking colors, instead embracing soft, medical-inspired forms to maintain dignity. Lightweight, scalable, and holistic, it redefines care for pets and their owners.

Future plans

I plan to develop a working prototype, testing new materials for durability, comfort, and recyclability with real dogs, vets and owners. I also aim to assemble a team of engineers to develop the app and sensor for scanning accuracy and vital data collection. Improving the fit, weight distribution, and personalisation remains a key focus throughout the process. After graduation, I hope to launch a France-based startup focused on innovative, sustainable dog prosthetics, using the latest technologies to enhance both design and user experience.

Awards

Selected for exhibition at “Interdependence – Exploring Opposites,” organized by Politecnico di Milano’s Design Department during Milan Design Week 2025 (URL under “Project Website”)