2016 NWCDC Innovations – Two Companies – iWalkFree
My 2016 NWCDC Innovations search ended up where I had thought it would from the beginning. I spent a large amount of time in the vendor area. The medical equipment innovators are usually at the cutting edge in WC. The NWCDC is the National Workers Comp and Disability Conference held in New Orleans this year.
I had almost given up my search for innovators until the very end of the exhibiting session by the vendors. I found two companies which did provide a level of innovation. I did not find any service-type vendors that really had any inovation. This is the norm for most of the conferences.
The two companies are a robotics company and a unique lower leg crutch manufacturer. The two companies are ReWalk and Iwalk. As you can guess from the name, they both have to do with enabling an injured workers to return to work or at least lead a more productive life. If you can find the time, a visit to each of their websites is very well worth your time.
From the ReWalk website:
The ReWalker controls movement using subtle changes in his/her center of gravity. A forward tilt of the upper body is sensed by the system, which initiates the first step. Repeated body shifting generates a sequence of steps which mimics a functional natural gait of the legs.
From the I Walk website:
The iWALK2.0 is the best solution for non-weight bearing lower leg injuries. iWALK2.0 is easy to learn, economical to own, is pain free and provides unsurpassed mobility.
I watched a film of people using the iWALK2.0. The video showed an amazing alternative to crutches. From what I saw, the iWalk 2.0 would allow a much more rapid return to work for some jobs.
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