Quick treatment, thanks to digital measurement technology during the Olympic Games
Scan instead of foam imprint
To treat athletes in Paris, the Bauerfeind teams will use digital measurement technology again as during previous Olympic Games. This will be the first year, however, when this technology is used for the provision of foot orthoses. In the past, many boxes of imprint foam had to the sent to the Games. But now, the Olympic Village will be equipped with a Bodytronic 140 foot scanner, a Bodytronic 410 body scanner, and a “digital workbench”.
“We have developed a digital process in measurement technology that will make blueprints and imprint foam redundant when measuring for foot orthoses,” explains Ralph Kecke, Measurement Technology Product Manager. He played a significant role in this new development and is now preparing all software and hardware components for transport to Paris. “Onsite, a technician will simply scan the foot of an athlete. This is then always visible in the digital workbench during the grinding process,” Ralph Kecke elaborates. Not only does this save time but it also significantly reduces resources in the polyclinic’s workshop. “In addition, a digital scan is much more precise than a foam imprint, and the foot orthoses can be personalized to the athletes more effectively,” Ralph Kecke adds.
In addition to the digital workbench, the Bodytronic 410 will be used to measure the lower body. Previously, in Pyeongchang and Tokyo, many athletes appreciated the non-contact, quick measurement process. Again, this saves a lot of time, allowing our colleagues to fully concentrate on the athletes and their needs. “This combination of digital technology and quick treatment is practically unique in the industry,” highlights Ralph Kecke.
All data and feedback concerning the innovative treatment process from Paris is used for the further development of the digital workbench so it can be used as standard by many medical supply retailers as well.
Facts about the Olympic Games in Paris
Number of athletes: More than 10,500 male and female athletes are expected to participate.
Purple instead of red: In the Stade de France, a brand-new purple track will be laid for the track and field events, ensuring a special look in the arena.
Medals:In 32 sports and 48 disciplines, the participating athletes will compete for 329 gold medals. Overall, that makes 987 medals. A piece of iron from the Eiffel Tower is embedded in the center of each medal, surrounded by the edge in gold, silver or bronze. These coveted medals were manufactured in the Federal Mint in Paris, and were designed by the famous jeweler Chaumet.
New sports: One new event on the agenda in Paris is breakdance, while compared with the Tokyo Games both baseball/softball and karate have been removed. On the other hand, the sports of climbing, surfing and skateboarding have been confirmed after they were included in Japan for the first time.
Some changes will be made to the existing sports in the lineup, for example the 50 km race walk in track and field has been removed, in weightlifting five competitions have been eliminated, while two new mixed events have been added in shooting.