iWalk Unveils Network of iWalk Certified Bionics Centers

Company Announces Expanded Commercial Availability of the PowerFoot BiOM Lower Leg System, Scientifically Proven to Normalize Walking for Lower-Limb Amputees

Bedford, Mass., September 20, 2011–iWalk, the bionics company advancing technology to restore natural movement for lower-limb amputees, today 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, an MIT-based, world renowned 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 to provide the best prosthetic solutions available for amputees.

“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.  Everyone at iWalk is proud to be working with this group of clinical experts.”

Charter members of iWalk’s distribution network includes some of the nation’s most innovative professionals:

· American Orthopedics, Columbus, OH

· Alabama Artificial Limb, Montgomery, AL.

· Bulow Biotech, Nashville, TN

· Medical Center Orthotics and Prosthetics, Silver Spring, MD

· Next Step Orthotics and Prosthetics, Manchester, NH

· POSI, Marlton, NJ

· Prosthetic and Orthotic Associates, Orlando, FL.

· Prosthetic Innovations, Eddystone, PA

· SRT Prosthetics and Orthotics, Fort Wayne, IN

· A Step Ahead Prosthetics, Hicksville, NY

· University of Michigan Orthotics and Prosthetics Center, Ann Arbor, MI

· University of Mississippi Prosthetic and Orthotics, Jackson, MS

"The BiOM has the power to change lives. I have been an amputee for nearly 20 years, and after wearing the BiOM for only a short while I had the sensation of having an ankle again,” said Shawn Brown, COO of SRT Prosthetics & Orthotics. “Within one hour of your first experience, your body and mind will remember what it was like to have a limb that actually contributes to efficient propulsion. I truly believe the BiOM will change the manner in which amputees navigate our 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. 

Providers seeking iWalk Bionics Certification should contact INFORMATION. For more information on the iWalk Certified Bionics Centers and the BiOM technology, please visit www.iwalk.com.

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. For more information, please visit www.iwalk.com or follow us on Facebook or Twitter (@iWalk_BiOM).
 

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