WakeMed Rehab Helps Patients Reach New Heights and Conquer New Terrain with the iBOT
iBOT Enables the Wheelchair-Bound to Climb Stairs, Elevate to Standing Level and Navigate Uneven Terrain
RALEIGH, N.C. (June 20, 2006) � WakeMed Health & Hospitals today trained its first patient to use the iBOT�, a patented gyro-balanced personal mobility system, providing new levels of freedom and accessibility for patients with disabilities. WakeMed Rehab is the only iBOT evaluation center in North Carolina or South Carolina.
The iBOT offers a combination of five unique functions, including:
1) 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.
2) The Stair Function enables the user to safely climb up and down stairs, with or without assistance, often gaining access to previously inaccessible places.
3) The 4-Wheel Function enables the user to climb curbs as high as five inches and to travel over grass and gravel, through sand and across other forms of uneven terrain.
4) The Remote Function allows the user or an assistant to drive the mobility system unoccupied into a vehicle.
5) The Standard Function enables the user to operate the device in the same manner as if in a traditional power chair. While operating in the Standard Function, users are able to easily fit their mobility system under a table because of the lower seat to floor height of the iBOT 4000.
WakeMed Rehab is a natural choice as a regional iBOT evaluation center. WakeMed Rehab offers a comprehensive continuum of multi-disciplinary rehabilitation services and features a 68-bed inpatient hospital, 11 outpatient facilities and a 40,000 square foot Health Park where patients practice real-life skills.
The iBOT Mobility System is specially designed for individuals who have mobility impairments and the use of at least one upper extremity. WakeMed Rehab has a remarkable program for spinal cord injury patients, the primary iBOT consumer. WakeMed�s spinal cord injury program focuses on increasing physical strength, endurance, self-care, wheelchair skills and adaptive recreation.
The iBOT 4000 Mobility System�s patented iBALANCE Technology is an integrated combination of sensor and software components that work together to mimic the principles of human balance. The iBOT is custom programmed and calibrated to the user�s center of gravity, allowing the device to stabilize the user by realigning and adjusting wheel position and seat orientation. The iBOT 4000 model allows the user to occupy the Mobility System, while it is being transported in a wheelchair-accessible vehicle.
Traveling at 6.8 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. Built-in triple redundant backup systems, as well as auditory and visual signals ensure user safety in all functions.
About Independence Technology
Independence Technology, a Johnson & Johnson company, is dedicated to helping people with disabilities live their lives with greater freedom. The company, headquartered in Warren, NJ utilizes the latest technologies to develop cutting-edge products and services. The iBOT� Mobility System was invented by Dean Kamen, founder of DEKA Research and Development. Johnson & Johnson partnered with DEKA in 1995 to develop the iBOT� Mobility System. For additional information about Independence Technology and the INDEPENDENCE� iBOT� Mobility System, please visit www.ibotnow.com or call: (877) 794-3125
