Overview

Beyond Limits is an NWU Faculty of Engineering initiative that transforms personal adversity into technological advancement. It began with Ian Thomson’s vision to make prosthetics more accessible after losing his leg at 16. What started as one person’s journey is now a multidisciplinary mission to create affordable, durable, and locally relevant assistive technologies for South Africa and beyond.

Born from the realisation that traditional prosthetic care is financially out of reach for most South Africans, Beyond Limits is a growing ecosystem of students, researchers, and engineers. The initiative gained international attention through its participation in the Cybathlon competition but remains grounded in local impact—focusing on innovative, cost-effective devices for real-life challenges.

Focus Areas

The Beyond Limits initiative focuses on the development of assistive technologies through engineering innovation, multidisciplinary collaboration, and user-centred design. Its core focus areas include prosthetic legs, prosthetic arms, customised sockets, and broader accessibility solutions.

1. Prosthetic Legs

Creating durable, low-cost prosthetics for everyday use in diverse environments.

• Microprocessor-Controlled Knees: Smart knees that use sensors to adapt to movement and improve gait, ideal for urban use.
• Mechanical Knees with Four-Bar Mechanisms: Robust, purely mechanical knees designed for rural environments where power access is limited.
• Adjustable Prosthetic Feet: Feet that adapt stiffness and size for different weights and terrains, supporting dynamic environments.

2. Prosthetic Arms

Advanced upper-limb prosthetics combining engineering and AI.

• Myoelectric Arms: Controlled via muscle signals, allowing natural movements like opening and closing hands.
• Machine Learning Integration: Enhancing responsiveness and task control through intuitive, AI-driven design.

 

3. Customised Sockets

Ensuring user comfort and usability through tailored design.

• 3D-Printed Sockets: Utilising 3D scanning and printing to reduce production time and improve comfort.
• Clinical Alignment: Prosthetists still play a key role in aligning sockets to avoid pressure point injuries.

4. Wheelchairs and Visual Aids

Expanding the reach of assistive technology beyond prosthetics.

• Obstacle-Ready Wheelchairs: Designed to climb stairs and navigate uneven terrain.
• Visual Aids: Devices aimed at enhancing mobility for blind users, making everyday navigation more accessible.

Impact

Beyond Limits creates life-changing outcomes by restoring independence, improving access, and building inclusive communities. The impact is seen in the lives of individuals, the growth of academic research, and broader socio-economic benefits.

Expansion & Partnerships

Beyond Limits is scaling its reach through academic partnerships, local manufacturing, and field deployment. The team aims to establish assistive tech hubs across Africa.

• Field Testing and Distribution: Deploying devices in real-world rural settings to gather feedback.
• Commercialisation via Stride: Bringing lab innovations to the market through NWU’s startup partner.
• Interdisciplinary Support: Incorporating rehab, psychology, and medical expertise into device development.
• Data Collection & Advocacy: Collaborating with hospitals and NGOs to gather disability data and influence policy.

Aligning with the SDGs

The initiative supports the UN Sustainable Development Goals by advancing health, equality, and economic participation:

• SDG 3 – Good Health & Well-being: Making assistive tech accessible for better quality of life.
• SDG 8 – Decent Work & Economic Growth: Enabling amputees to return to work and contribute.
• SDG 10 – Reduced Inequalities: Serving marginalised communities with life-changing innovations.