iWalk, a Massachusetts-based bionics company advancing technology to restore natural movement for lower-limb amputees, announced the expanded availability of the PowerFoot BiOM (BiOM) through its initial iWalk Certified Bionics Centers. The company has certified 12 of the nation’s leading prosthetics providers to offer the BiOM, the first robotic lower leg system to normalize metabolic efficiency and increase self-selected walking speed for amputees. The BiOM features advanced bionics technology developed by Dr.Hugh Herr, a world renowned MIT innovator and researcher in the fields of biomechanics, biological motion control and augmentation technologies.
To be selected as an iWalk Certified Bionics Center, prosthetists must become expert in BiOM’s bionic technology, while demonstrating excellence in client service, clinical care and quality fabrication. Providers must also have an established track record for embracing and partnering with proven technology suppliers.
“With the commercial availability of the BiOM through our partner network of iWalk Certified Bionics Centers, the idea of scientifically-proven bionic lower limbs is now a reality,” said Timothy McCarthy, iWalk’s president and CEO. “Through our certification and partnering process, we are building a clinical distribution network that will allow amputees to be successfully fit with the most advanced prosthetic technology in the world.”
iWalk today also unveiled new research that scientifically proves that the BiOM normalizes level ground walking at multiple speeds for below knee amputees, when compared to peers with intact biological limbs. The study also proved that amputees using BiOM considerably increased their self-selected walking speed compared to traditional carbon fiber foot/ankle prostheses.
About iWalk
iWalk is the bionics company advancing technology to restore natural movement for lower-limb amputees. Its proprietary BiOM uses robotics to replicate muscles and tendons for the first time, normalizing walking at all speeds and all terrains—truly bringing in the age of bionics. The company was founded in 2006 by Dr. Hugh Herr, director of the Biomechatronicsgroup at the MIT Media Lab.
Privately held and headquartered in Bedford, Mass. The company has received funding and support from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, the U.S. Army’s Telemedicine and Advanced Technology Research Center (TATRC), and leading venture firms WFD Ventures , General Catalyst Partners and Sigma Partners.
SOURCE: iWalk
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PHOTO CREDIT: iWalk
