Modernizing canine paw protection through advanced multi-domain fiber materials and computerized knitting technology

Introduction: This proposal is focused on reducing the #1 and #2 causes of preventable injuries in Military Working Dogs (MWDs).  Our new soft-exoskeleton canine footwear is known as the FlyBand® ExoBootie. The foundational R&D for the device includes human medical exoskeletons funded by the National Disability Institute (NIDILRR) for children with neuromuscular foot disorders as well as research funded by the DHA for accelerating Service Member return-to-duty. This R&D continues in a Ph III study funded by USAMRAA. The need for basic paw protection: The MWD paw and limb is a complex system capable of explosive power and extraordinary speed. They are vulnerable, however, to broken glass, burning debris, rubbled urban buildings, and diverse environmental risks.  Paw injury was the #1 most frequent preventable injury documented in Special Forces working dogs during the Global War on Terror.  Paw injuries take weeks to heal and often require keeping load off of the foot, leading to duty-days with dogs confined to the kennel.  The importance of injury prevention is even more urgent as the global supply of MWDs is negatively impacted by multiple ongoing conflicts.This proposal adapts lessons learned from developing human exoskeleton footwear to the development of canine soft-exoskeleton footwear. It will allow us to translate expertise in advanced materials, textile additive manufacturing techniques, thin-walled structures, grip, comfort, and footwear supply chain to benefit working dogs. It also incorporates user interview findings from MWD handlers and trainers conducted thus far..Technical Summary: The FlyBand ExoBootie was designed to incorporate novel advanced materials to extend working life while maintaining speed and agility and preventing loss while running  The ExoBootie includes 9 separate performance zones together with featherweight soft exoskeleton supports. Features include advanced material fibers to deliver cut-proof performance, soft exoskeleton elements, tailored fit for military dog breeds, and a 3-way retention system to help prevent fly-off (the #1 complaint during customer discovery). Ph I objectives:  We will design new canine multiple-domain footwear that can increase resistance to laceration, increase mean time between donning and fly-off, and minimize any interference with gait speed and agility. We will accomplish this by:A) Working in collaboration with NC State University’s Wilson College of Textiles, to identify performance testing devices and protocols that can quantify footwear design performanceB) Working with NC State to benchmark the performance of currently available dog booties, C) Collaborate with a highly regarded canine researcher who specializes in the study of paw-to-ground interaction to conduct user-centered research to understand the needs of MWDs, handlers, trainers, and veterinary personnel so that we can establish Phase I designs and create feasibility prototypes.