New NSF Funding Fuels Innovation in Pediatric Prostheses
A landmark National Science Foundation grant is propelling a multidisciplinary project that could transform how children with lower extremity amputations access high-performance, affordable prostheses. Led by Quentin Sanders, an Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering and Bioengineering at the College of Engineering and Computing (CEC), the project aims to develop customized, continuous-fiber prostheses manufactured through fused filament fabrication (FFF) to support active childhood lives.
The three-year project, titled “Fused Filament Fabrication of Customized Continuous Fiber Physical Activity Enabling Prostheses for Children with Lower Extremity Amputation,” is funded with $502,222 and runs from September 2025 to August 2028. Sanderson and his collaborators seek to close the gap between advanced prosthetic performance and accessibility for children who rely on a running or activity-enabled limb.
NSF funding acknowledges the pressing need to tailor prosthetic devices to growing children. Traditional prostheses often lag behind a child’s rapid growth and evolving activity level. By leveraging fused filament fabrication, this research envisions lightweight, durable, and cost-effective devices that can be rapidly customized to fit a child’s changing anthropometry and activity demands.
Three Research Objectives Drive the Work
1) Understanding participation drivers and prosthetic demands
The team will identify qualitative and quantitative factors that influence a child’s desire to participate in physical activity. By analyzing motivational, social, and functional drivers, researchers aim to predict the corresponding mechanical demands on the prostheses. This insight will guide designers to align device performance with real-world activities such as running, jumping, and playground play, ensuring the prostheses can withstand frequent use without compromising comfort or safety.
2) Effects of pediatric anthropometry and movement on prosthetic mechanics
A key objective is to quantify how a child’s body size, limb length, and movement patterns influence the mechanical properties of running-specific prostheses. This work will help tailor stiffness, damping, and strength parameters to individual children, enhancing energy efficiency and reducing the risk of skin issues or joint discomfort during play and sport.
3) Comparing static and dynamic behavior of FFF versus conventional laminates
The research will compare the static and dynamic responses of continuous-fiber 3D-printed prostheses against conventional laminate designs under different load conditions. By evaluating stiffness, load distribution, and energy return, the study aims to prove that FFF-printed devices can achieve performance parity with traditional systems while offering upgrades in customization, repairability, and cost.
Implications for Children, Families, and the Field
Successful outcomes could usher in a new era of pediatric prosthetics that are not only functionally superior but also more affordable and accessible. Wherever possible, clinicians and families would gain faster access to devices tailored to a child’s growth and sport-specific needs. The project also holds promise for improving the confidence and activity levels of children with lower limb amputations, supporting participation in school athletics, community recreation, and daily activities.
Beyond immediate clinical benefits, the project contributes to the broader science and engineering community by advancing fused filament fabrication as a viable method for high-performance, customized medical devices. The interdisciplinary collaboration among mechanical engineering, bioengineering, and pediatric rehabilitation experts positions this work to influence both design practices and policy discussions around pediatric prosthetics funding and availability.
About the Principal Investigator and Funding
Dr. Quentin Sanders serves as an Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering and Bioengineering in the College of Engineering and Computing. The NSF grant total of $502,222 supports the research through late August 2028, reflecting a sustained investment in innovative, patient-centered prosthetic technology. As the project progresses, findings will be published to inform clinicians, manufacturers, and families about best practices in pediatric prosthetic selection, adjustment, and maintenance.
