In this episode of Breakthrough Innovation, we speak with Dr. Tyler Susko — roboticist, inventor, and founder of Cadense, the startup behind a revolutionary adaptive shoe for people with mobility challenges.

This story starts with million-dollar rehabilitation robots at MIT… and ends with a lightweight, friction-adaptive shoe that has already helped tens of thousands regain confidence and mobility.

👟 Why high-friction shoes are dangerous for people recovering from stroke or injury

🧠 How a PhD in robotics led to a simpler, not more complex, solution

⚙️ Why the first prototype failed (and what they learned from #40)

🌎 How they scaled to 30,000+ units sold — and why customer feedback drives everything

🏗️ The Cardboard Boat Race and why MVPs should look like 5th grade science projects

📈 What to do when success forces you to become a different kind of business

This episode is a masterclass in listening, iterating, and innovating from the outside in.

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