# Episode 70: Developing better robotic prostheses - Josh Caputo

- Show: [Robot Talk](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk)
- Published: 2024-01-26
- Length: 29m
- Episode: 70
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk/2024-01-26-episode-70-developing-better-robotic-prostheses-josh-caputo
- Listen: https://ukrobotics.libsyn.com/episode-seventy-josh-caputo

## Summary

Josh Caputo, president and CEO of Humotech, explains how his company uses a robotic prosthetic foot emulator to accelerate research and clinical trials in wearable robotics. He details the transition from academic prototypes at Carnegie Mellon University to commercializing over 30 systems for universities and clinical partners across the US, Canada, and Europe. Caputo discusses the dual strategy of supporting broad R&D platforms while pursuing specific FDA-approved clinical applications, such as rapid patient fitting for prosthetic feet and ankle orthoses. He also addresses the market challenges of niche applications, like canine assistance, and the technical distinctions between rigid exoskeletons and soft exosuits.

## Chapters

- [0:08](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk/2024-01-26-episode-70-developing-better-robotic-prostheses-josh-caputo#t=8) Introduction: Josh Caputo and Humotech
- [2:16](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk/2024-01-26-episode-70-developing-better-robotic-prostheses-josh-caputo#t=136) The Prosthetic Foot Emulator: Hardware and Software
- [4:40](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk/2024-01-26-episode-70-developing-better-robotic-prostheses-josh-caputo#t=280) Emulation vs. Pure Simulation in Biomechanics
- [7:11](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk/2024-01-26-episode-70-developing-better-robotic-prostheses-josh-caputo#t=431) From PhD to Company: Humotech's Growth and Deployments
- [10:42](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk/2024-01-26-episode-70-developing-better-robotic-prostheses-josh-caputo#t=642) Clinical Trials, FDA Approval, and Healthcare Applications
- [13:19](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk/2024-01-26-episode-70-developing-better-robotic-prostheses-josh-caputo#t=799) Exoskeletons in Industry: Warehouse and Military Use Cases
- [17:02](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk/2024-01-26-episode-70-developing-better-robotic-prostheses-josh-caputo#t=1022) Terminology: Exoskeletons vs. Exosuits
- [21:14](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk/2024-01-26-episode-70-developing-better-robotic-prostheses-josh-caputo#t=1274) Barriers to Canine Assistance and Niche Markets

## Topics

- [Robotics & autonomy](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/robotics-and-autonomy)
- [Prototyping & iteration](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/prototyping)
- [Medical & health devices](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/medical-devices)
- [Starting a product company](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/starting-a-company)
- [Validation & product-market fit](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/validation-and-product-market-fit)

## Most relevant to

early-stage companies

## Mentioned

- Humotech (company)
- Carnegie Mellon University (other)
- Department of Defense (other)
- Veterans Affairs (other)
- ASTM (other)
- Iron Man (product)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [156. 2023 Recap & First Annual Saucies!🥫🍾](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2024-01-09-156-2023-recap-first-annual-saucies) (The Next Byte Podcast)
- [Jeremiah Robison from Cionic creates bionic clothing to help patients walk better](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-robot-report-podcast/2022-06-10-jeremiah-robison-from-cionic-creates-bionic-clothing-to-help-patients-walk-bette) (The Robot Report Podcast)
- [157. Exoskeleton To Help Parkinson’s Patients Walk](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2024-01-16-157-exoskeleton-to-help-parkinsons-patients-walk) (The Next Byte Podcast)
- [230: Shark Tank, Advanced Prosthetics, and How PSYONIC's Ability Hand is Driving Accessibility for Humans and Robots Featuring PSYONIC CEO & Founder Dr. Aadeel Akhtar](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/manufacturing-happy-hour/2025-04-08-230-shark-tank-advanced-prosthetics-and-how-psyonics-ability-hand-is-driving-acc) (Manufacturing Happy Hour)
- [What's next for Waymo's robotaxis, Dusty Robotics' Tessa Lau, robotic prosthetics with Coapt](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-robot-report-podcast/2020-10-15-whats-next-for-waymos-robotaxis-dusty-robotics-tessa-lau-robotic-prosthetics-wit) (The Robot Report Podcast)

## Citing this page

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