In a landmark achievement under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and AIIMS Bibinagar have jointly unveiled India’s first Make-in-India cost-effective advanced carbon fibre foot prosthesis. The innovative device—named AIIMS Bibinagar–DRDL DRDO Indigenously Developed Optimised Carbon Foot Prosthesis (ADIDOC)—was launched on July 14 in a ceremony held at AIIMS Bibinagar.
The prosthesis has been developed by the Defence Research & Development Laboratory (DRDL) of DRDO in collaboration with AIIMS Bibinagar, and was launched by Dr. G.A. Srinivasa Murthy, Distinguished Scientist and Director, DRDL, and Dr. Ahanthem Santa Singh, Executive Director, AIIMS Bibinagar.
The ADIDOC prosthesis represents a significant advancement in accessible healthcare and indigenous innovation. Engineered from advanced carbon fibre, the prosthesis has undergone biomechanical testing to withstand loads up to 125 kilograms and comes in three variants to support users of different body weights. It is designed to deliver performance comparable to high-end international prosthetics while being far more affordable.
One of ADIDOC’s most impactful features is its cost. With an estimated production cost of less than ₹20,000, it dramatically undercuts imported models, which typically retail at around ₹2 lakh. This price point opens up access to high-quality prosthetic care for thousands of amputees across India, especially in economically disadvantaged groups.
The indigenous development of ADIDOC marks a decisive step toward reducing India’s reliance on foreign medical technologies while promoting social and economic inclusion. Experts say the prosthesis will not only restore mobility but also restore dignity, independence, and opportunities for people with disabilities—aligning with national goals for inclusive development.
This breakthrough is part of a broader push by DRDO to apply defense technology expertise in civilian domains, and AIIMS Bibinagar’s role ensures medical precision and patient-focused design. The launch also reflects the synergy between India’s scientific institutions and healthcare providers to address real-world challenges through innovation.
Further trials, user feedback, and scaling strategies are expected to follow, positioning ADIDOC as a benchmark in India’s push for accessible, affordable, and world-class medical solutions made in India.
