posted 8-13-2003
The iBOT Approved by FDA
Independence Technology, a Johnson & Johnson company, announced U.
S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval of the company's INDEPENDENCE(tm)
iBOT 3000 Mobility System, a patented gyro-balanced personal mobility
system that provides new levels of freedom and accessibility for people
with disabilities.
The iBOT Mobility System uses a unique combination of electronics, sensors
and software components that work on the principle of balance to continuously
and automatically adjust wheel position and seat orientation to stabilize
the user.
The device is the invention of Dean Kamen, founder of DEKA Research
& Development Corp., Manchester, NH, with whom Johnson & Johnson partnered
to develop the iBOT Mobility System.
Jean-Luc Butel, president, Independence Technology, describes the iBOT
Mobility System as the most thoroughly tested, studied and sophisticated
device ever manufactured for the disability community. "It is our hope
that the arrival of the iBOT Mobility System will create greater awareness
of the importance of providing equal accessibility to every person with
a disability," said Mr. Butel.
"It is estimated that approximately two million Americans use a wheelchair
or scooter type of mobility aid," Mr. Butel said. "For people with mobility-related
disabilities, the iBOT Mobility System represents breakthrough technology
not available in any other product. In essence, the iBOT Mobility System
empowers users to go where they want to go, helping satisfy the natural
human desire for mobility and freedom.
The iBOT Mobility System has five functioning features. The Balance
Function elevates the user to move around at eye level and to reach
high places independently. In this function, the front wheels rotate
on top of the back wheels while the user remains seated at a higher
height. The Stair Function enables the user to safely climb up and down
stairs, with or without assistance, often gaining access to previously
inaccessible places. The 4-Wheel Function enables the user to climb
curbs as high as four inches and to travel over grass and gravel, through
sand and across other forms of uneven terrain. The Remote Function allows
the user or an assistant to drive the device into a Sport Utility Vehicle
or van for easy transport. And the Standard Function enables the user
to operate the device in the same manner as if in a traditional power
chair.
Traveling at six miles per hour in Standard Function, the iBOT Mobility
System is powered by rechargeable batteries and depending upon usage,
can run all day on a single charge. Multiple computer backup systems
have been designed to help ensure user safety in all functions. The
joystick operated steering system is proportional and directional, comparable
to current joystick power wheelchairs on the market today. The iBOT
Mobility System features and functions will be customized to the individual
requirements of the user.
The INDEPENDENCE iBOT 3000 Mobility System is a prescription product.
In order to prepare a rehabilitation facility or clinic to prescribe
the device, Independence Technology will train clinicians at these facilities
to handle the requirements of patient interaction, assessment and training
unique to the iBOT Mobility System.
"Up to 20 rehabilitation facilities nationwide will be available by
end of October 2003 to conduct assessments and training, " said Mr.
Butel. "Following a successful assessment and order confirmation, a
patient may expect the device within three to four months."
An estimated 70 percent of the population of people who use wheelchairs
in the United States may qualify to have the iBOT Mobility System prescribed
for them. Every person interested in the product will be screened to
determine if he or she can use the iBOT Mobility System by a healthcare
professional who will assess capabilities and the person's ability to
use the device. Some people, however, will not be eligible to use the
product because they may not have the full range of abilities required.
The iBOT Mobility System will be priced at $29,000 per unit and will
include a service warranty. The purchase of the product may offset other
expenditures a person with a disability may need to make, such as home
modifications, ramps, elevators and lower kitchen cabinets. Independence
Technology L.L.C. is actively working with private insurance carriers,
the Veterans Administration and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid to
pursue appropriate reimbursement.
The INDEPENDENCE iBOT Mobility System is a complementary product to
Independence Technology's INDEPENDENCE iGLIDE Manual Assist Wheelchair
with DeltaSense Technology and INDEPENDENCE maxPRO Seat Cushion with
Vicair(r) Technology, both introduced earlier this year. The iGLIDE
Manual Assist Wheelchair operates similarly to a conventional manual
wheelchair, but uses proprietary technology to supplement user input
power. The maxPRO Seat Cushion with Vicair(r) Technology, a unique and
innovative system that provides both stable body support and pressure
relief with the help of hundreds of small, soft air- filled cells, is
designed to meet the challenging postural needs of patients with many
levels of disability. Every iBOT Mobility System will include a maxPRO
Seat Cushion.
For additional information about the INDEPENDENCE iBOT 3000 Mobility
System visit www.independencenow.com or call Independence Technology
at 866-204-6126.
Dean Kamen Interview
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Independence Technology.com
Johnson & Johnson.com
