Iplate: better results through biomechanics

Iplate, a system used in the manufacture of orthotic inserts, is the result of collaboration between the University of Antioquia and the private sector. Iplate’s goal is to enter the U.S. market soon.

Juan J. Mejía, CEO of Ilimitada S.A., and engineer Mauricio Hernández, director of GIBIC.
 

The product is designed to help improve the biomechanics of the human body and allow foot specialists to diagnose postural problems, joint stress and other bodily ailments.

Iplate is the result of a collaborative agreement between GIBIC, a bioelectronics research group at the University of Antioquia, and Ilimitada S.A., a leading information technology company. The partnership was created in order to develop advanced technology solutions for foot pressure measurement, which eventually results in better performance and lower cost than those of similar systems manufactured abroad.

“Our goal was to create a more effective and low-cost alternative to other similar systems, which led us to create our own technology”, said engineer Mauricio Hernández, director of GIBIC.

These systems are very popular in the US and Europe, however they are both expensive and computer-controlled.

The nationally manufactured pressure sensor became the first system designed to operate without use of a computer aid.

Iplate is a system used for professional foot pressure measurement, allowing foot specialists to prescribe custom made orthotic inserts that best suits each patient's needs.

“The system is designed to make patients’ feet work more efficiently in order to avoid serious injury that can even lead to lower limb amputation”, said podiatrist Rosa Pinto.

Iplate is intended to facilitate widespread use of cutting-edge technology in several specialties including orthopedics, physical therapy and dermatology.

Iplate helps realign the lower limbs by using custom made orthotic inserts at less cost than any other solution.

Iplate, which is currently patent pending, will be available soon in the US via Orthera, the leading California-based orthotic inserts provider.

This project aims at promoting widespread use of this system among health professionals working in the field of biomechanics.

By installing additional software, Iplate can become a powerful tool for specialized physical therapy treatments.

“Potential customers include grocery stores, pharmacies and even patients. By installing specialized software, Iplate can become a useful tool for highly specialized physical therapy treatments”, said engineer Hernández.

According to podiatrist Rosa Pinto “Iplate is an effective, user-friendly diagnostic tool as good as other similar programs”.

Contact information
Mauricio Hernández, Ph.D., Biomedical Engineering
Phone: (574) 219 85 88 – 219 85 87 - 219 85 89
Email: mauricioh@ieee.org
Office: 19-421 // 20-231
Web: www.gibicgroup.com
University of Antioquia