OTWorld 2026 – Empowerment instead of stigma: The new visibility of the assistive technology sector.

Assistive devices are often only recognised when they are personally needed. Yet, they convey much more than a medical or technical narrative: they tell stories of independence, belonging, dignity, and how participation in everyday life can be achieved.

This is precisely why it's worthwhile to examine an industry that often remains within professional circles, despite its impact reaching far into society. Christian Geis, Director Creative Technology and expert in Healthcare & Life Science at wob, reflects on his impressions from OTWorld 2026, highlighting why the assistive devices industry now has the opportunity to become not only more innovative but also more visible and human-centric.

OTWorld 2026 vividly demonstrated the dynamic evolution of the assistive devices industry. What was showcased in Leipzig was far more than a mere exhibition of technical products; it was a glimpse into a supply landscape where digitalisation, individualisation, robotics, AI, additive manufacturing, and intelligent materials increasingly converge. The industry deserves a positive appraisal—professionally, technologically, and communicatively.

At the same time, it became evident that the next significant potential lies not just in better products, but in a more profound integration of the individuals for whom these products are developed. Patients must become a more visible part of the experience—at trade stands, in campaigns, in product development, in care pathways, and in societal communication. Companies like Ottobock have already demonstrated the direction in which the industry can evolve. Bauerfeind is also setting important benchmarks with its combination of medical expertise, product quality, and consumer-oriented branding.

A fair filled with extraordinary products and innovations.

The OTWorld, an international trade fair and world congress, once again proved why it is regarded as the leading international fair for orthopaedic technology. For its 50th anniversary, 623 exhibitors gathered in Leipzig; the focus was on rehabilitation, integrated care, continuing education, robotics, and AI.

Notably, the breadth of innovations was striking: smart prosthetic solutions, new orthotic and care concepts, digital workflows, 3D printing, AI-supported documentation, intelligent assistance systems, and solutions for fall prevention shaped the fair's atmosphere. OTWorld highlighted that exhibitors from around the world presented new products, intelligent assistance systems, and forward-looking care concepts aimed at enhancing safety, mobility, and participation in everyday life.

This showcased an industry that is technically highly capable. Assistive devices are no longer merely functional products. They are evolving into interconnected, individualised, and increasingly data-driven solutions that can improve people’s lives—if they are properly explained, experienced, and integrated into care systems.

Ottobock as a benchmark for patient-centric innovation.

This development was especially evident at Ottobock. The company showcased the new michelangelo prosthetic hand, the digitally manufactured iconiq liner, the C-Brace Interim Concept, as well as further advancements in neuro-orthotics and digital care. Ottobock did not merely present isolated product innovations but showcased a holistic picture of modern patient care: from digital manufacturing through prosthetic assembly and documentation to integrated care pathways.

The approach was particularly strong in its aim to present technology not in isolation, but through real-world application experiences. More than 20 demo users shared their experiences at Ottobock's stand; in daily shows, they provided insights into the use and benefits of the assistive devices in collaboration with product experts.

This marks a crucial difference: innovation becomes more credible when it is not just explained but lived. A prosthesis, orthosis, or digital care tool reveals its full relevance only when it becomes clear what it means for independence, participation, safety, and quality of life. Ottobock has demonstrated at OTWorld how a trade stand can transform into a stage for genuine user experiences—setting a benchmark for a patient-centred brand and product experience.

Bauerfeind AG as a benchmark for trust, application, and product proximity.

Bauerfeind can also be read as a benchmark in this context—albeit with a different focus. While Ottobock strongly emphasises high-tech, prosthetics, neuro-orthotics, and visible patient stories, Bauerfeind traditionally stands for medical aids, bandages, orthoses, compression, and a high degree of practical application proximity.

This connection between medical function, everyday usability, brand trust, and product aesthetics is crucial for the industry. Bauerfeind demonstrates that assistive devices must not only be technically convincing but also excel in comfort, design, simplicity, consultation, and everyday acceptance. In a care landscape where compliance and user experience are critical, this is a central success factor.

Together, Ottobock and Bauerfeind represent two strong benchmarks:

• Ottobock for tangible high-tech innovation and patient-centric presentation.
• Bauerfeind for application-oriented product quality, trust, and integration into daily life.

Both perspectives are vital if the assistive devices industry wishes to enhance its societal relevance.

The positive outcome: The industry is innovation-driven.

The outcome of OTWorld is positive. The fair demonstrated that the assistive devices industry operates at a very high technological level. Digital processes are becoming increasingly commonplace. Additive manufacturing is creating new opportunities for individualised care. AI can support documentation, analysis, and argumentation with funders. Robotics and mechatronic systems are opening new movement options. Materials are becoming lighter, smarter, and more functional.

Above all, there is a growing understanding that modern assistive provision does not end with the product. It encompasses complete care experiences: diagnosis, consultation, adjustment, training, aftercare, digital support, and societal acceptance.

OTWorld has not only showcased innovations but also made a directional shift visible: The industry is moving from pure product logic to an experience logic.

The next step: more patient engagement.

Despite all the positive impressions, a clear need remains: Patients must be more consistently integrated into the experience.

This concerns multiple levels:

• Product development: User experiences should be incorporated earlier and more systematically into innovation processes.
• Trade fair appearances: Real users should not be an exception but a standard part of presentations.
• Communication: The industry should speak less about assistive devices and more about participation, daily life, independence, and quality of life.
• Care systems: Patient perspectives should be more prominently included in decision-making processes, reimbursement, and care quality.
• Societal visibility: Assistive devices must emerge from the niche and be understood as contributions to inclusion, mobility, and societal participation.

Here lies enormous potential. The relevance of the assistive devices industry is often underestimated in society. Many people only recognise the significance of these products when they or their relatives are affected. When companies engage patients more deeply, it will become apparent that this is not about technical niche products, but about freedom, dignity, movement, work, family, sports, and social participation.

From trade fair to societal stage.

OTWorld is a trade fair—but it could become an even stronger societal stage. Few industries can so directly demonstrate how technology empowers people in their daily lives. An intelligent prosthesis, a well-fitted orthosis, a compression supply, or a digital manufacturing process are not just medical solutions. They are tools for self-determination.

Ottobock has already implemented this approach very well at the fair: through demo users, real stories, and the connection of product, application, and societal message. Bauerfeind also illustrates how important trust, usability, and acceptance are for the success of assistive devices. If more companies pursue this path, the industry can extend its impact far beyond the professional audience.

Our conclusion.

OTWorld 2026 was a strong fair for a robust industry. The innovative power is undeniable: digital care, AI, 3D printing, smart orthoses, modern prosthetics, and new concepts for rehabilitation and daily life demonstrate how future-ready the assistive devices industry is.

However, the greatest opportunity now lies in narrating these innovations from the perspective of the people who use them. Patients are not merely recipients of care; they are experts in their daily lives, credible ambassadors, and crucial drivers of relevance.

Ottobock and Bauerfeind exemplify how differently and effectively patient proximity, product quality, and brand trust can interact. If the assistive devices industry systematically leverages this potential, it will not only develop better products but also become more visible, relevant, and better understood in society.

At wob - The Experience Architects, we look forward to accompanying and supporting you on this journey.

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