ROBIC APPLAUDS THE GENEROSITY AND INGENUITY OF ITS CLIENTS. HERE IS THE INSPIRING STORY OF SHAPESHIFT3D!

2020-06-22

ROBIC APPLAUDS THE GENEROSITY AND INGENUITY OF ITS CLIENTS.

HERE IS THE INSPIRING STORY OF SHAPESHIFT3D!

Shapeshift3D, a software company specializing in customized objects adapted to the human body, has redirected its core business due to COVID-19 and developed a unique and efective mask that fit perfectly for each individual.

With the onset of the pandemic, the young start-up quickly found an alternative to its core industry – the orthotic and prosthetic field,which was sure to slow down considerably for a prolonged period. ” The team asked itself: what do we do in the meantime? ” explains Francis Dion, Executive President of Shapeshift3D.

Given its expertise in creating skates adapted to individual athletes, Shapeshift3D thought to explore the feasibility of designing a mask based on the characteristics found in a N-95 mask. The company had to answer the following two questions: (i) could it adapt its software for face scanning and (ii) could it design a mask with innovative and interesting features? A firt mask design and a pre-concept test were completed within a 24-hour period and confirmedthis possibility.

Francis Dion explains that none of the masks available on the market meet three important safety requirements. He further explains that most of the masks have serious technical issues. These include the accumulation of CO2 inside some masks and the significat risk of poisoning an individual.

Shapeshift3D used its algorithms, which have the ability to adjust an object to specificall fit an individual, to customize a mask that meets four safety criteria: ensuring the mask is airtight, maximizing the filtation surface, minimizing the interior volume and ofering optimal comfort.

With this breakthrough, Shapeshift3D has been able to gain a significat support for its adjustable mask project.

The software company, established in September 2019, had some initial funding challenges before its prototype was completed. However, it has now received $500,000 in bank and government financing, a significat amount that has made all the diference for the team. An addition $20,000 was raised from a Kickstarter campaign. Pivoting towards the mask project has also allowed Shapeshift3D to expand its network and establish partnerships with major global players, including HP and 3M.

As the idea has continued to grow, the Ministry of Economy and Innovation has awarded a $250,000 grant to the Shapeshift3D project. ” The grants enabled us to accelerate our projects, expand the team and get the job done. We can call the custom mask project a revelation, ” says Francis Dion.

The company since added new customers wanting to improve the safety and comfort of their employees, validate the efectiveness of masks worn in conditions specificto their industry (prolonged wear, extreme heat, etc.) and reduce their costs while being more eco-friendly.

Mr. Dion adds proudly, ” We also developed, as part of the Post COVID-19 Challenge, a project that would allow us to provide masks to all CHSLDs so that seniors and medical staf would be equipped with a comfortable, lightweight and visually appealing mask ”.

Given these new projects, Shapeshift3D plans to double the size of its team, which is based in Montreal’s Rosemont district. ” We are convinced that a perfectly customized mask is a very important mission, ” adds the executive president.

The COVID-19 experience

He adds that, due to the pandemic, the company has learned to seize opportunities presented by change instead of being taking an overly rigid approach. Indeed, Shapeshift3D dared to participate in a Kickstarter campaign, which allowed them to take a giant step forward.

Francis Dion looks ahead and hopes people realize the value of customizing objects (bicycle helmets, masks, orthotics, etc.). A perfect fit brings significat benefits and that’s what the company aims to demonstrate.

WE MAY BE WITNESSING
THE CUSTOM-FIT REVOLUTION THANKS TO SHAPESHIFT3D! BONNE CONTINUATION!

THE BENCHMARK FOR
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

www.robic.ca