Ossur Receives Popular Science Award for Power Knee

Ossur, Reykjavik, Iceland, has received Popular Science magazine's 2005 Best of What's New Award in the Personal Health category for its Power Knee, the first powered prosthesis for lower-limb amputees.

The Power Knee uses artificial intelligence to predict and respond to changes in terrain and incline, and restore gait dynamics, thereby replacing muscle activity and effectively bending and straightening the leg at the knee, Ossur explained. The innovation allows amputees to ascend stairs and ramps foot-over-foot and facing forward.

"Given Ossur's annual investment in research and development of approximately 6 to 8 percent of its revenue, it is especially gratifying to be singled out on the basis of innovation," said Hilmar Janusson, Ossur's vice president of R&D.

"The return on that investment will be realized in a technology platform we refer to as 'Bionic Technology by Ossur'a full range of products for both the prosthetic and orthopedic markets," Janusson said. "The objectives are simple yet lofty: remove the physical limitations caused by a patient's disability, remove the morbidity inherent in some conventional designs, and make the technology available to a wider group of patients."

Ossur has partnered with Victhom Human Bionics Inc., Quebec City, Quebec, Canada, and the Power Knee's inventor, Stephane Bedard, founder, executive vice-president and COO of Victhom, with the goal of jointly pioneering products for people with physical disabilities. The Power Knee is expected to be available in 2006.

Each year, Popular Science reviews thousands of new products and innovations and chooses 100 winners for 10 different categories. Judging criteria include the significance of the innovation; the quality of the design and the finished product; the originality of thought; and the ambition and scope of the project.

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Ossur Receives Popular Science Award for Power Knee

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Australian Amputee Hockey Players Begin Training

Academy Calls for Award Nominations

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O&P JOBS

Orthotics and Prosthetics Assistant

Certified Orthotist — Full-Time or Part-Time, Pediatric Practice

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