Aetrex, has announced the acquisition of SOLS Systems, a pioneer of medical and consumer-grade 3D printed orthotics and software used for the mass customisation of footwear.
The global leader in comfort and wellness footwear products and technology, Aetrex closed the acquisition last month.
Founded in 2013 and based in New York, SOLS’ technology improves the fit and function of footwear. Utilising computer vision, computational geometry, machine learning, and biomechanics, SOLS’ patented end-to-end platform automatically generates 3D models of an individual’s anatomy based on photos from its imaging system. It is also the first ever available on a smartphone. The 3D models are used to produce custom orthotic devices digitally manufactured on-demand. The same technology is applied to produce customised footwear and has outplaced competing efforts inside leading innovation labs.
The SOLS team will begin integrating their suite of products immediately, working with Aetrex’s hardware and software engineering teams on their newly launched Albert 3D foot scanner.
“The acquisition of SOLS is consistent with the Aetrex mandate of always providing the most authentic consumer benefits through state-of-the-art technology,” said Aetrex CEO Larry Schwartz. “The integration of SOLS technology into our footwear and orthotics businesses will allow Aetrex to offer unmatched customisation and adjustability across our product lines.”
Kegan Schouwenburg, SOLS Founder and CEO added: “After meeting the Aetrex team over a year ago, we quickly realised how their global footprint and decades of industry experience in orthotics and footwear could advance SOLS’ product growth and accelerate our mission of revolutionising footwear in the coming years.”
Aetrex Worldwide Inc. is widely considered a global player in comfort and wellness footwear products. With fashion, function and quality at the forefront, Aetrex designs and manufactures therapeutic, casual, dress, sandal and athletic footwear for both men and women. The company has also developed industry-leading foot scanning devices, including Albert and iStep, designed to accurately measure feet and determine foot type and pressure points. Aetrex, with this acquisition, is now pledging its efforts into the 3D printing of medical and consumer-grade footwear solutions.