Bionik Laboratories, Toronto, Canada, has entered into an option agreement with the University of Texas at Dallas (UT Dallas) for robotics and control systems technologies. The agreement allows Bionik to evaluate the technology for one year; grants an option to negotiate an exclusive, worldwide license under patent rights owned by UT Dallas; and includes an option to negotiate a nonexclusive license. Bionik, whose robotic and exoskeleton products are used to treat neurological disorders, is evaluating the technologies to determine whether they can be used to enhance its assistive product line expansion.
“[This] infusion of technology and innovation will provide a strong, competitive advantage to our current technology platform,” said Michal Prywata, cofounder, chief technology officer, and director of Bionik.
The technology was developed by Robert Gregg IV, PhD, director of the Locomotor Control Systems Lab and an assistant professor of mechanical engineering and bioengineering at UT Dallas; and research assistants and doctoral candidates Ge Lv and Hanqi Zhu. Gregg’s research concerns the control mechanisms of human locomotion with applications to wearable and autonomous robots.
“These innovations in control systems and novel actuation technologies greatly improve robotic performance and will ultimately produce better mobility for a larger patient population,” Gregg said. “During Bionik’s option period and on execution of the final license agreement, we will work closely with Bionik to advance the technology that will allow them to enhance and commercialize their assistive robotics solution and improve quality of life for persons with these disabilities.”
