ARSOBO: Arizona Sonora Border Projects for Inclusion

What ARSOBO: Arizona Sonora Border Projects for Inclusion does

ARSOBO is a binational nonprofit organization with 501(c)(3) status in the United States and a sister NGO in Mexico, operating from Nogales, Sonora with a US administrative office in Tucson, Arizona. Founded in 2009, ARSOBO designs, fabricates, and distributes affordable medical devices—including all-terrain wheelchairs (Whirlwind/RoughRider product line, $300-$380), custom transtibial and transfemoral prosthetics ($560-$1,030), ankle-foot orthoses and knee braces ($135), and Starkey Evolv AI hearing aids—for individuals with disabilities in the Arizona-Sonora border region. Manufacturing is performed by technicians who themselves use the devices, enabling ARSOBO to reduce prosthetic delivery times from two months to 3-4 days and to sell devices at price points far below US market comparables. Additional services include monthly audiometry clinics ($23.50 per evaluation) and physical therapy.

The organization's revenue model is a hybrid of direct-to-consumer hardware sales through its e-commerce storefronts and physical Nogales location, modest professional service fees, and grant funding from US and Mexican foundations (notably Tichi Munoz Fundacion and the Shipley Family Foundation). Go-to-market is community-led: patients are reached through direct engagement at the Nogales facility, monthly University of Arizona hearing clinics, and partner organizations including Hanger Clinic, Rotary International, and Flying Samaritans. Distribution is regional, confined to the Arizona-Sonora border region, with cumulative outputs since inception including 735+ wheelchairs, 839+ prosthetics/orthotics, 740+ hearing aids, and 140+ physical therapy patients.

ARSOBO is led by co-founders Francisco 'Kiko' Trujillo (Executive Director) and Dr. Burris 'Duke' Duncan (semi-retired pediatrician, Professor Emeritus at the University of Arizona), supported by a Board including Hanger Clinic leadership, a licensed audiologist from the University of Arizona, and a U.S. Senator's outreach representative. The organization has earned regional recognition including the 2012 Andy Nichols Award for Social Justice from the Arizona-Mexico Commission. Headcount is small (6-9 staff), consistent with a grant-funded social enterprise rather than a venture-backed growth company.

Name

ARSOBO: Arizona Sonora Border Projects for Inclusion

Legal name

ARSOBO: Arizona Sonora Border Projects for Inclusion

Website

https://arsobo.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2009

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

ARSOBO is a binational nonprofit that designs, fabricates, and distributes affordable wheelchairs, prosthetics, orthotics, and hearing aids to individuals with disabilities in the Arizona-Sonora border region, with devices built by technicians who use them.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Assistive Medical Devices

NAICS

Services for the Elderly and Persons with Disabilities (624120), Surgical Appliance and Supplies Manufacturing (339113)

SIC

Orthopedic, Prosthetic & Surgical Appliances & Supplies (3842)

akta.pro primary industry

Disability Services & Assistive Solutions (Accessibility, Assistive Tech) (BPAGALAM)

akta.pro secondary industry

Sports & Active Rehabilitation Devices (Adaptive Sports Mobility, Performance Prosthetics) (HLAHAMAJ)

Keywords

• Assistive medical devices
• Custom prosthetics manufacturing
• Mobility equipment
• Hearing healthcare services
• Disability inclusion services

Headquarters

HQ city

Nogales

HQ country

Mexico

HQ region

Latin America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Personnel, Supply Chain, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Medical Device Sales: ARSOBO generates revenue through direct sales of wheelchairs, prosthetics, orthotics, hearing aids, and related assistive devices. Products are priced affordably (ranging from $130 to $1,030) and sold directly to individuals with disabilities and their families.
2. Donations and Grants: As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, ARSOBO receives tax-deductible donations from individuals and organizations. They also receive grant funding from foundations and government agencies on both sides of the border.
3. Audiometry Services: Professional hearing evaluation services using KUDU Wave Pro 5000 Audiometer with bone conduction and extended high-frequency testing capabilities are offered in Mexico for $23.50 per service.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

ARSOBO manufactures and distributes low-cost, custom-built assistive medical devices, including all-terrain and basic wheelchairs, prosthetics, orthotics, and hearing aids, for individuals with disabilities in the Arizona-Sonora border region. Devices are designed and built in-house by technicians who themselves use the products. The organization also provides related clinical services including audiometry and physical therapy to support device users.

Product overview

ARSOBO is a binational nonprofit organization providing affordable medical devices for individuals with disabilities. The product portfolio consists of three main categories: (1) Wheelchair products including the Whirlwind All-Terrain Wheelchair, Rough Rider Basic Wheelchair, Customized Wheelchair, Pediatric Stander, and Custom Made Walkers; (2) Prosthetics and Orthotics including Transtibial Prosthesis, Transfemoral Prosthesis, and various Orthotic devices (AFOs, Knee Braces); and (3) Hearing Health products featuring the Starkey Evolv AI 1000 Hearing Aid and Audiometry Services. Additional offerings include Hand-Powered Cycles, Race Chariots, and Physical Therapy services. All devices are designed and built by people who use them, with the organization operating as a sustainable social business model.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Rough Rider Basic Wheelchair A basic manual wheelchair priced at $199.99 for individuals with mobility disabilities who need affordable mobility equipment.
• Customized Wheelchair A wheelchair custom-built to individual user specifications, priced at $399.99, for patients requiring tailored fit beyond a standard model.
• Pediatric Stander A standing frame for children with mobility disabilities, priced at $499.99, intended to support postural development and upright positioning.
• Custom Made Walkers Custom-fabricated walkers built to individual specifications, priced at $199.99, for users needing gait support tailored to their body dimensions.
• Hand-Powered Cycles Hand-powered cycles priced at $999.99 designed for users who propel the cycle using arm power, supporting mobility and recreation.
• Race Chariots Race chariots priced at $1,099.99 built for adaptive racing and athletic participation by individuals with mobility disabilities.
• Transtibial Prosthesis A below-knee prosthetic limb custom-fabricated for individuals with transtibial (below-knee) amputation, priced at $499.99.
• Transfemoral Prosthesis An above-knee prosthetic limb custom-fabricated for individuals with transfemoral (above-knee) amputation, priced at $1,199.99.
• Adjustable Ankle-Foot Orthosis An adjustable ankle-foot orthosis (AFO) priced at $99.99 providing lower-limb support and stability for individuals with foot drop or related conditions.
• Starkey Evolv AI 1000 Hearing Aid A Starkey Evolv AI 1000 digital hearing aid distributed through ARSOBO's hearing aid program for individuals with hearing loss.
• Audiometry Services Hearing assessments and audiology services delivered at ARSOBO's clinic and at monthly partner locations across Arizona, including hearing aid fittings and follow-up.
• Physical Therapy Physical therapy services provided to support device users in rehabilitation, mobility training, and recovery in the Arizona-Sonora border region.

Quantifiable outcome

• 839+ prosthetic and orthotic devices provided since 2013
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

AI capability2 records

Feature4 records

Partnerships

Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.

• University of ArizonacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerKey university partner providing faculty and Ph.D. candidates from the Department of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences for monthly hearing clinics. UCEDD (Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities) sponsored the Border Conference on Disabilities that led to ARSOBO's founding.
• Hanger CliniccoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe largest prosthetic manufacturer in the US provided training to ARSOBO's technicians and continues to supply some materials. Hanger Clinic staff serve on ARSOBO's Board of Directors and provide ongoing clinical support and training.
• Rotary InternationalmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerGlobal service organization supporting ARSOBO's mission through potential funding, volunteer support, and community connections across the border region.
• U.S. Northern CommandmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerEquipment purchased from U.S. Northern Command enabled ARSOBO to establish wheelchair manufacturing capabilities and increase production from 1 to 3 wheelchairs per week.
• Universidad Tecnológica de Nogales (UTN)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerTechnical university partnership for training and development, including work on 3D computerized prosthetic upper extremities.
• CECATIminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerTechnical education institution in Mexico supporting workforce development and training programs.
• DIF Nogales (Desarrollo Integral de la Familia)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-sponsored the Border Conference on Disabilities in 2008 that led to ARSOBO's founding. Local government social services organization serving families and individuals with disabilities.
• Sonoran UCEEDcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUniversity of Arizona's Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities that sponsored the 2008 Border Conference on Disabilities, the founding event for ARSOBO.
• JAVID MexicominorOthersHealthcare-related partner organization in Mexico supporting ARSOBO's mission.
• PINSAG GroupminorOthersTechnical services partner supporting ARSOBO's operations.
• Flying SamaritansminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerVolunteer medical organization providing healthcare services that complements ARSOBO's work.
• INDEX SonoraminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerBusiness development organization supporting entrepreneurs in Sonora region.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Standing With Hope: Nonprofit providing prosthetic limbs in West Africa using locally-trained technicians. Direct peer in mission and user-training model.
• LifeNabled: Faith-based nonprofit providing prosthetic and orthotic devices in developing countries, employing local technicians. Closely comparable model to ARSOBO's user-as-builder approach.
• Free Wheelchair Mission: Large-scale nonprofit distributing wheelchairs globally to underserved populations. Comparable in mission and product category though operating at significantly greater scale.
• Range of Motion Project (ROMP): Nonprofit providing affordable prosthetic care in Latin America (Guatemala, Ecuador). Closest comparable in mission, cross-border model, and patient population served.
• Limbs International: Nonprofit providing low-cost prosthetic limbs in developing countries. Direct peer in affordable prosthetics manufacturing and distribution model.
• Whirlwind Wheelchair International: Designs and distributes the Whirlwind/RoughRider all-terrain wheelchair—the very design ARSOBO manufactures. Most direct upstream design partner and global peer in rugged, low-cost assistive mobility.

Others

• Build Health International: Nonprofit building health infrastructure and medical device capacity in resource-limited settings. Thematically adjacent peer focused on durable medical equipment in underserved regions.

Broad incumbents

• Direct Relief: Large humanitarian medical aid organization providing medical supplies and equipment globally. Adjacent in mission though broader in scope; potential funding/equipment partner.
• Hanger Clinic: Largest US provider of prosthetic and orthotic devices. Both a key partner/training source for ARSOBO and a broad incumbent serving overlapping patient populations.

Regional players

• DIF Sonora: Mexican state-level family development agency serving individuals with disabilities. Direct partner of ARSOBO and a regional player addressing similar populations through government channels.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/arsobo

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles19 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about ARSOBO: Arizona Sonora Border Projects for Inclusion