2005 marks the first year of the Popular Mechanics Breakthrough Awards, where the publication recognizes 10 individuals and teams, including one winner of its highest recognition, the Breakthrough Leadership Award given to Dr. Herr this year -- for helping to improve lives and expand possibilities in the realms of science, technology and exploration.
Attending today's presentation at the Museum of Natural History in New York City was Rudy Garcia-Tolson, a double amputee and a user of two Rheo Knees by Ossur. Garcia-Tolson is 17 years old and a gold medalist and record-holder at the 2004 Athens Paralympic Games in the 200m Individual Medley SM7 Swimming, among many other sporting and leadership awards.
The Rheo Knee is the first artificially intelligent knee system that has the ability to learn and adapt to its user's movements, resulting in continually improved and optimized performance. State-of-the-art bionic technology instantly adapts to real-world walking conditions. Through the use of a microprocessor, integrated sensors, and an innovative magnetorheologic (MR) fluid actuator, the Rheo Knee allows the user to walk as nature intended, with a constantly monitored and improved gait.
Dr. Herr's concept of utilizing MR fluid to increase or decrease the knee's resistance was a key element in the development of the breakthrough prosthesis.
The Rheo Knee's microprocessor control initiates smooth, accurate kinematic and kinetic responses to sensory input as frequently as 1000 times/second.
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Contact: Beverly Millson
beverly@missingsock.com
310-399-7599
Ossur
30-Sep-2005