Control Bionics launched the world's first autonomous driving wheelchair, DROVE. Picture Getty
Health & Biotech
Control Bionics (ASX:CBL) will today launch the world’s first autonomous driving wheelchair module at Deakin University’s new Digital Health Lab.
The ground-breaking DROVE module was created in collaboration with Deakin University’s Applied AI Institute (A2I2).
The Australian manufactured tech can be retro-fitted to powered wheelchairs and allows users to move their chair autonomously and precisely without a joystick, to specific locations within the home.
CBL says this is a world first and there is nothing else like it available anywhere.
DROVE uses a digital camera system with Control Bionics’ tracking software and NeuroNode technology which allows users to control an interface using only neural signals.
It can navigate doorways and tight hallways and detect and stop for unexpected obstacles. DROVE’s safe, reliable and relaxing movement around the home is giving users a whole new sense of freedom and independence, says CBL.
The DROVE system will be available under the NDIS program in Australia.
Control Bionics CEO Jeremy Steele said the tech made a huge difference to those who tested it during development, allowing them to do simple things that able bodied-people often take for granted.
“Our NeuroNode technology allows people who are completely locked in to communicate, and now DROVE will enable them to safely move around their home. It’s a level of independence they’d never considered possible,” he said.
Anteris Technologies (ASX:AVR) signed an agreement with v2vmedtech to develop an innovative heart valve repair device.
Under the deal, Anteris and v2vmedtech will partner with leading physicians to develop this repair device for the minimally invasive treatment of mitral and tricuspid valve regurgitation, also known as a leaky valve, for which there is a market worth around $4.1bn by 2028.
This repair device is expected to complement Anteris’ portfolio by entering a market adjacent to the transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) market in which the company remains focused on developing the DurAVR TAVR system.
The mitral and tricuspid valve repair markets are underpenetrated with few competitors, and many patients do not receive treatment due to current technology limitations.
Anteris sees this as an opportunity to work with highly credible physicians to bring innovation to an established but growing market within the structural heart space.
“This strategic partnership allows us to tap into our core capabilities of innovation and existing network of physician advisors while broadening our portfolio and entering additional market segments where we can expect significant long-term growth,” said Anteris CEO, Wayne Paterson.
Cancer diagnostics company Rhythm Biosciences (ASX:RHY) plunged 12.5% this morning after announcing the resignation of its CEO, Glenn Gilbert, effective 21 April.
For the near term, Otto Buttula, the current executive chairman, will assume additional executive duties, spending more time in the company’s Melbourne offices.
The news comes as the company recently decided to withdraw its current ColoSTAT application for an Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG) listing.
Rhythm said it intended to submit a new ColoSTAT application with the TGA, in line to better meet their feedback and questions posed.
The new application will be submitted at a date to be determined, however is expected to be in the current calendar year.
“The Board is grateful to Glenn for his contribution to Rhythm since his appointment as CEO in late 2018, and wishes him well for the future,” said Rhythm’s release.
"At Stockhead, we tell it like it is. While Control Bionics is a Stockhead advertiser, it did not sponsor this article."
Health & Biotech
Health & Biotech
Health & Biotech
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