QUAN: Houston Researcher Nears Major Robotic Breakthrough
Prof. Jose Luis Contreras-Vidal is leading a team of engineers at the University of Houston that are close to a new breakthrough that could allow disabled people to use the exoskeleton using only brainwaves.
HOUSTON--Robotics company Quantum International Corp. (OTCBB: QUAN) is intrigued by the promise of a new brainwave interface being developed by engineers at the University of Houston that could be a game-changer in the world of medical robotics.
Companies such as New Zealand-based Rex Bionics are already producing robotic exoskeletons designed to allow paraplegics to stand and walk. For now, these innovative devices are guided primarily by joystick. But Prof. Jose Luis Contreras-Vidal is leading a team of engineers at the University of Houston that are close to a new breakthrough that could allow disabled people to use the exoskeleton using only brainwaves.
The professor and his students are working on an external brain-machine interface capable of translating thoughts into robotic movement. Currently, this is only possible using surgically implanted electrodes. What Contreras-Vidal has in mind is something closer to a Bluetooth headset.
"This is one of the most exciting robotics projects in the world, and it's going on right in our backyard," said Quantum CEO Robert Federowicz. "The medical and commercial potential for a functional brain-machine interface of this kind is both obvious and staggering. We plan to initiate talks with university researchers on ways we can potentially help develop and commercialize this incredible technology as soon as possible."
Quantum signed a non-discloser agreement with the University of Houston last week so that serious discussions can begin on a possible collaboration.
Health and healthcare constitute a major area of focus for Quantum as it seeks out potentially profitable new robotics innovations primed for marketing and commercialization. The company is also currently working toward a definitive agreement with the prestigious Industrial Research Institute for Automation and Measurements (PIAP) in Warsaw, Poland.
For more information on Quantum International's robotics initiatives, please visit http://www.quantuminnovators.com/investors.html.
Quantum International Corp. is working to develop the next generation of robotics technology to compete in a booming global industry alongside Intuitive Surgical, Inc. (NasdaqGS: ISRG), iRobot Corporation (NasdaqGS: IRBT) and Dover Corp. (NYSE: DOV).
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About Quantum International Corp.
Quantum International Corp. (OTCBB: QUAN) is a robotics innovation company working to commercialize the next generation of sophisticated, automated technology. The Company is positioning itself to develop, deliver and market the most cutting-edge innovations in robotics in order to leverage the worldwide demand for the precision, speed, and cost-effectiveness these technologies offer.
For more information about Quantum International Corp., please visit www.quantuminnovators.com.
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