Gurvinder Singh, a 41-year-old mechanical engineer and son of an army veteran from Pune, Maharashtra, has developed the Phoenix Foot, a pioneering prosthetic limb designed to meet the needs of amputees, particularly those in the military. Inspired by his father’s struggle after an amputation, Singh began by creating a rudimentary prototype from basic materials, which laid the foundation for the advanced Phoenix Foot. Collaborating with doctors at Pune’s Artificial Limb Centre (ALC), including prosthetic surgeon Lt Col G Parmeshwar Reddy, Singh refined the design into a cutting-edge solution.
The Phoenix Foot was showcased at the Indian Army’s Inno-Yoddha 2024-25 competition in New Delhi, where it impressed Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi and earned Singh the Chief of Army Staff Commendation medal. This innovative prosthetic offers natural ankle movement with shock absorption, customizable features for varying weights, and adaptability to all terrains, which significantly enhances mobility and reduces strain on the knee and hip during extended use.
Preliminary trials with five ALC patients have shown promising results, and further testing with both military and civilian users is planned. The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) will evaluate the product for standardization and durability before it moves to mass production. Singh’s journey reflects a personal and professional commitment to improving the lives of amputees, and his work has already made a notable impact, as his father, Gurbachan Singh, expressed pride in the innovation that will benefit many.