VA’s ‘Grand Challenge’: Open-Source Prosthetic Limbs for Veterans - Is "Open Source" a viable solution?

SPC Jan Allbright, M.Sc., R.S. — Thu, 21 May 2015 10:07:06 -0400

“We also want to … try to attract people to want to work in this arena — rehabilitation — to design the best possible services and technologies surrounding prosthetics and assisted technologies that can help not only veterans but patients at large,” Ippolito said in an interview withNextgov.

http://www.defenseone.com/technology/2015/05/vas-grand-challenge-open-source-prosthetic-limbs-veterans/113338/

VA’s ‘Grand Challenge’: Open-Source Prosthetic Limbs for Veterans

The VA hopes a contest will spur innovation in replacement limbs the way DARPA jumpstarted self-driving cars.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made May 21 at 2015 10:38 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 21 May 2015 10:38:26 -0400

I think this is a great option to get new blood and fresh ideas into a field that is expanding within the VA. Even within my 3 years in the VA, the prosthetics departments has expanded rapidly, due to needs of the veterans. And they STILL can't keep up. They need more people who want to work in these services. From Service reps, contracting, rehab, supply techs… It's needs new blood, and people who are willing to keep up with the changing technology of prosthetics.

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made May 21 at 2015 12:21 PM

Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS — Thu, 21 May 2015 12:21:32 -0400

I don't think government organizations are truly capable of "innovation." I think that happens with guys in a garage. I think government organizations can Promote Innovation, and this does that.

Necessity is the mother of invention, and the government has the loudest voice, but not the best mind. This voice combined with deep pockets for peoples willing to risk a little of their own money. This is a good thing.

Response by PO1 John Miller made May 21 at 2015 11:55 PM

PO1 John Miller — Thu, 21 May 2015 23:55:33 -0400

My grand challenge to the VA? Do your job and provide veteran health care!