FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Weaver: Data-Driven, 3D-Printed Therapeutic Shoes for Personalized Pediatric Foot Care

PEAR & MULBERRY's Weaver project has received the prestigious Bronze A' Design Award in the Generative, Algorithmic, Parametric and AI-Assisted Design category for 2025. Developed in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and fabricated at Harvard FabLab, Weaver redefines pediatric therapeutic footwear by combining advanced computational modeling, 3D scanning, and pressure mapping to create custom-fit shoes for children aged 8-14. This recognition highlights the project's creative ingenuity and its contribution to improving quality of life through design and technology.

Inspired by the structural versatility of hollow-loose knitting and chainmail, Weaver's design achieves a unique balance of support and flexibility. The shoes feature a print-knit upper made from recyclable TPU, mimicking textile structures to provide directional flexibility and stability without the need for shoelaces. Each pair is individually tailored using parametric modeling and AI-assisted optimization, ensuring that every child receives footwear precisely adapted to their foot shape, gait, and pressure distribution. The result is a therapeutic shoe that not only enhances comfort and fit but also supports clinical foot health and pain relief.

The production process employs 3D scanning and pressure analysis to generate a digital model, which is then 3D printed in a single material, reducing waste and manufacturing complexity. The innovative zoned sole structure adapts to each child's gait, while the parametric bottom grid enables ongoing monitoring of wear patterns and foot health. As the project moves into its next phase, PEAR & MULBERRY will conduct IRB-approved user testing and collaborate with Boston-based 3D printing startups for further material research. Weaver stands as a testament to the power of interdisciplinary design, merging biomechanics, sustainability, and digital fabrication to address real-world medical needs in pediatric care.

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