THE ACE-
ENGINEERS
04
Ken
Endo
Transforming bias through technology.
#ProstheticLimbDevEngineer
#RedefiningHumanSpeed
#DualRoleEngineerAndEntrepreneur
#HumanPerformanceOptimizer
Xiborg Inc.* is focused on developing sports prosthetics to address individual challenges through technology. Ken Endo, engineer and entrepreneur, is working on advancing prosthetic technology with the goal of changing perceptions and values surrounding the human body. He is also committed to expanding opportunities for engineers to contribute to creating a more prosperous society.*Hereinafter: Xiborg
PERSONALITY
- Name
- Ken Endo
- Company
- President and Engineer, Xiborg
Researcher, Sony Computer Science Laboratories, Inc.
Representative Director of numerous other NPOs
- Department
- Prosthetic Leg Development Engineer
- Career History:
- Endo began developing prosthetic limbs after an acquaintance had to undergo leg amputation due to an illness. After working at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), he became a researcher at Sony Computer Science Laboratories, where he focused on enhancing physical capabilities through robotics and developing artificial limbs for use in developing countries. Later, he founded Xiborg Inc. to create and sell athletic prosthetic limbs. He remains actively involved in various initiatives, including the advancement of prosthetics and support for prosthetic development in developing countries.
- Achievements:
- Development of sports prostheses, including the "Xiborg ν," along with other sport-related products.
- The OTOTAKE PROJECT, which supports Hirotada Ototake, who was born without both arms and legs, in learning to walk.
- Recognized as one of the “35 Innovators Under 35” by the MIT Technology Review.
- Selected as one of the “Davos Young Global Leaders” by the World Economic Forum.
- Hobbies / Interests:
- Electronic circuit design, embedded programming, and mechanism design
- Visiting world heritage sites and zoos (animal skeleton observation)
- Photography
- Basketball
How are you different from others?
I am not good at communicating with people and tend to stay in the lab.
What does your job mean to you?
I enjoy researching and developing prosthetic legs daily, so I don't consider it work. For me, accounting, paperwork, and other necessary tasks for research are my actual work.
What is your motto or a phrase that has stayed with you?
I was deeply impacted by the words of Hugh Herr, whom I respect as a mentor in prosthetic leg research. Herr once said, “There is no such thing as a disabled person; there is only technology that is physically disabling.”
I was also struck by the insight of a visually impaired individual who stated, “The greater reality is: ‘Believing is seeing.’”
What is the biggest failure and lesson you have learned in your life?
I once made a mistake by being too busy and overdoing it. I learned that it is important to focus on doing my best and creating a quality product rather than pushing myself too hard.
Tell us a secret confession.
I enjoy music and I can play the guitar.
What special skills have you acquired as an engineer?
The ability to concentrate fully and set aside distractions while working. Additionally, I am indifferent to my environment and do not fixate on thinking I am always right.
If you could make anything, what would it be?
I want to build a bipedal robot that can beat the 100-meter world record of 9.58 seconds.
What do you do on your days off?
I enjoy photography and often take pictures. My photographs, along with a prosthetic leg I developed, were exhibited at Japan House, a venue where the Ministry of Foreign Affairs promotes Japanese culture. Additionally, I have a passion for basketball, a sport I played throughout my school years.
What is your most prized possession?
The pictures and letters I received on my birthday from children who had been helped by the technology I developed. They are my most cherished treasures; I often look at them while I work, and they lift my spirits.
INTERVIEW
School Days
Technology allows us to be deeply involved in someone's life.
During my childhood, I enjoyed playing with plastic models*1 and mini 4WD cars*2. I even won a local competition in mini 4WD, which marked my first successful experience in manufacturing. Later, when someone I knew had to have their leg amputated, I began my career in prosthetic leg development. While studying robotics, computer science, and biomechatronics*3 at MIT, I came to realize that technology can not only support people throughout their lives, but can also change prejudices and values. Although the market for prosthetics and orthotics is not large, and we do not sell many products, the most rewarding part of my job is bringing a smile to someone's face and being deeply involved in improving people’s lives.
*1: Abbreviation for “plastic model kit,” a fun way to enjoy assembling, gluing, and painting vehicles, characters, etc.
*2: A type of small four-wheel-drive race car model.
*3: A field of study that combines physical science, mechanical engineering, and electronic engineering.
Impressive Episode
My new mission is to manage my company while challenging to develop better prosthetic legs.
While focusing on developing athletic prosthetic legs, I also founded a company called Xiborg which markets what we create for use in international competitions. I first attempted to form partnerships with both domestic and foreign companies, but the process was challenging due to the narrow market and my own lack of experience in business. However, as I continued, I was able to connect with athletes interested in my mission, and the quality of our prosthetic legs gradually improved. This dedication ultimately led to achievements, including winning prizes at international competitions.
In the realm of sports, I believe that developing a “faster prosthetic leg” is a very noble goal. We will continue to develop technology to achieve this, but we are also prioritizing creating “good prosthetic legs.” We value the stories and relationships that build trust in our products, which extend beyond their specifications.
FUTURE VISION
I want to make breakthroughs in industry and society.
Our immediate goal is to create products and support athletes for competition globally. However, our larger vision is to drive breakthroughs across the entire industry. Currently, not only the prosthetics sector but likely many other industries are facing closed-off and unhealthy challenges. Engineers should have the ability to create new markets and initiate positive change. I believe it is essential for them to develop systems that foster happiness and entrepreneurship.
Today, thanks to advancements in AI and the availability of various tools, it’s a lot easier to create new products than in the past. This is why I want engineers to enjoy the process of developing high-quality products, whether they are technological innovations or new businesses. Personally, I will focus on designing overall frameworks and mechanisms that encourage collaboration among companies while working towards revitalizing the industry as a whole and aiming to realize a better society for future generations.
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Comment from a fellow colleague
Dai Tamesue
- Co-founder and advisor of Xiborg / Former track and field athlete with numerous international competition wins.
His academic background and understanding of people are unparalleled. Although he wasn’t a competitive runner, his knowledge of the sport rivals that of top athletes. He is unique in his effort to raise awareness in society through the sport of running.