Mickey Starling
reporter3@greenepublishing.com
Dorian Alberti made his way to Madison at the age of eight years old. A native of St. Petersburg, Fla., he graduated from Florida Poly Technic University, in Lakeland, Fla., earning a bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering and Multifunctional Materials/Advanced Manufacturing Processes.
“I always felt that I had a talent for creating things that didn't exist, or things I wanted to see,” said Alberti, who recalls hearing childhood stories about having taken things apart, trying to figure out how they worked. “I wasn't too good at putting them back together back then.”
His passion for building and creating new things followed him throughout his high school years, when he successfully constructed some Iron Man suit replicas and wore them in pep rallies. There was never any doubt that Alberti was going to put his vivid imagination to use when it came time to choose a career. “I wanted to have an impact on the community,” said Alberti.
While in college, Alberti was no stranger to work, taking on several jobs, including working for a patent attorney, a tailor, Draken International and Electronic Precepts, where he is currently employed while steadily working on making his start-up business a success. All of these jobs have contributed to Alberti's knowledge and experience for his personal aspirations. “I got a really nice wardrobe from working with the tailor,” said Alberti with a grin.
What really brings a smile to his face is his start-up business, Alberti Revolutionary Creations (ARC). Two of his most promising creations to date are an exoskeleton and a knee brace. The Lumbar Relief Analog Exoskeleton (LRAE) has significant promise of reducing workplace injuries for those wearing the lightweight device that helps protect various parts of the back, spine and knees from injuries that are common to heavy lifting. It also would reduce worker turnover, increasing companies’ productivity and reducing repetitive training costs. Several companies are testing the pilot versions of the device, along with several Emergency Medical Technicians and firefighters. The device adds compression to provide relief and support to the lower back and lumbar region of the spine. Weighing only seven pounds, it adds 15 to 20 pounds of additional force and support to the whole body.
The UFLEX Knee Activebrace is also lightweight and has a no-slip feature that keeps it in place. Early users of this device are reporting a reduction in pain and longer periods of walking and working without pain. Alberti's father, Gene, has used the knee brace for a long period of time and is pleased with the increased steps he is now enjoying. “I've gone from 500 steps to 4,500 steps a day with this brace,” said Gene. Alberti states that his father's needs were the inspiration for creating the brace. Though the Activebrace is new to the market, early testimonies, along with the recommendations of an orthopedic doctor, point to the future success of the device. Plus, they offer far better support than the drugstore options but cost only around $75, which is much cheaper than prescription braces. Alberti designed the braces for both devices and outsources the manufacturing to three other companies.
Currently testing the Activebrace are two NFL players, one with the Jacksonville Jaguars and one with the Kansas City Chiefs. A research and development brace is also being tested out by some University of Central Florida Lacrosse players. “Those guys are always getting beat up,” said Alberti. While these tests are continuing, Alberti is busy developing sensors that can be worn by employees to help them stay aware of the amount of stress being put on their bodies. This will help workers avoid injury and assist employers by giving them a better understanding of how hard their staff is working. “The pandemic put a lot of extra work on warehouse workers and others. The sensors are designed to protect workers' health and jobs,” said Alberti.
Now residing in Seminole, Fla., with a retrofitted garage at his home, providing space for working on developing and testing products, Alberti's creative mind is always at work, searching for ways to improve the lives and health of those who will need and use his products. His creativity was birthed of necessity, having grown up in the countryside of Madison County, with little to occupy his time. What would be boredom for some, Alberti used as a mental playground to explore all sorts of possibilities that he could tinker with and create. “The quiet environment allowed me to express myself more.” said Alberti. “You can also make more connections with people in a small town, and Madison has a lot of creative people. The fact that we didn't have a lot of money forced me to make my own stuff. Had I been raised in a big city, I probably wouldn't have a creative mentality.” Fortunately, the childhood sense of wonder that marked Alberti's early days has only increased over the years. What others may see as problems, he is likely to see as opportunities for finding solutions. As the testimonies continue to mount regarding the success of his early visions, Alberti has nowhere to go but up.