Smart Prosthetic Liner Allows Amputees to Fine-Tune Fit Anytime via Smartphone
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Unhindr's Roliner is a smart prosthetic liner that lets amputees adjust fit in real time via a smartphone app. Using microfluidic channels and AI, it adapts to body changes like weight fluctuations and activity levels. Unlike traditional rigid liners, Roliner enhances comfort, reduces skin issues, and supports mental well-being. Commercial launch is expected in the UK by the end of 2025, with plans to expand its applications across healthcare and performance gear.
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Prosthetic limb fit has been a problem for many prosthetic users for 200 years. This is because bodies are dynamic, and weight fluctuates depending on various factors, such as hydration levels and hormonal changes. This year, UK-based adaptive robotics company Unhindr is preparing to launch the perfect solution for prosthetic users: a prosthetic liner that can be adjusted on the go, called Roliner.
We first reported on the development of Roliner in 2021, but it has been in development for over eight years by the Department of Bioengineering at Imperial College London and later commercialized by Unhindr.
Roliner is a dynamically adaptable liner made from silicone elastomers embedded with pressurized microfluidic channels. Think of it like a soft, wearable “balloon” that can be inflated or deflated to change shape, volume, and stiffness. Just like a basketball, it becomes firmer when inflated and softer when deflated.
Real-Time Adjustments via Smartphone
The prosthetic liner’s best feature is that it empowers users to tailor their prosthetic interface to suit their comfort and activity levels. Through a smartphone app, users can make instant fit adjustments, tightening the liner for more stability while walking or loosening it when sitting.
Furthermore, it uses artificial intelligence to learn personal preferences and adapt automatically in response to changes like weight loss, hormonal fluctuations, or daily activity patterns.
Why This Tech Matters
Traditional prosthetic liners are rigid and static, often leading to discomfort, blisters, skin issues, and even forcing users back into wheelchairs. Dr. Firat Guder, the lead researcher, noted in an interview with Imperial News that regardless of the sophistication of a prosthetic limb, its usability is compromised if it cannot connect closely and comfortably with the human body, rendering it unwearable.
He also pointed out that previous attempts by researchers had focused on improving the limbs and sockets, but they took a different approach by developing a dynamically adaptive interface for the liners used between the body and the rigid prosthetic socket.
Additionally, Dr. Uğur Tanriverdi, co-founder of Unhindr, highlighted that ill-fitting prosthetics not only cause physical pain but can also significantly impact mental health and a person’s sense of independence.
By providing on-the-go fit adjustment, the Roliner aims to enhance both physical comfort and psychological well-being.
Roliner Features at a Glance
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Material and Design: Silicone elastomer liner with embedded channels (~250 µm thick) that inflate to reshape and stiffen the liner.
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Compatibility: Designed to match the thickness and fit of standard liners (approximately 6.6 mm thick, 45 mm in diameter), so it fits current prosthetic sockets without needing major upgrades.
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Smart Controls: A portable electro-pneumatic unit powers the micro-channels and syncs with a cloud-based app for data analysis and customization.
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Proven Benefits: Pre-clinical trials involving six diverse amputees showed improved fit, reduced frustration, and better limb health.
What’s Next?
Unhindr and the Imperial College London team plan to launch Roliner commercially in the UK by the end of 2025. They also aim to expand its use beyond prosthetic liners to include rehabilitation exoskeletons, hospital bed interfaces, and custom-fitting gear for astronauts and skiers.
Related reading:
4 Smart Prosthetic Sockets That Are Worth the Wait
Prosthetic Liner Issues? Here Are the Possible Causes and Solutions
New Prosthetic Tech Could Ease Strain on Patients and NHS
