Otto Bock presented their Innovations at the World’s Biggest Trade Fair.
Wheelchairs and other appliances can be highly functional and visually pleasing. This fact was demonstrated by Otto Bock HealthCare GmbH at Rehacare International in Düsseldorf, Germany, from October 3 to 6, 2007. In their exhibit at the rehabilitation and nursing industry trade fair, the med-tech company from Duderstadt put nine new products in the spotlight. Prior to the fair, these products had already been presented on a website created especially for Rehacare.
The child rehabilitation segment was one of the main topics of the fair. In an area of about 540 square metres, Otto Bock introduced the new BRAVOracer children’s wheelchair for active use and the "Kiwi" design study which can hold its own against any modern buggy in terms of visual appeal. Both children and television teams were also highly enthusiastic about the Siku-Mobile tractors and other toy vehicles operated with the joystick controls on a power wheelchair. The redirection of control functions – which can, in theory, operate any remote-controlled device – is more than just a game. It is effectively used in child rehabilitation in order to help girls and boys improve their hand-eye coordination. This is an essential skill in order to optimally handle their power wheelchair later on. This approach makes learning fun – play becomes therapy.
At Rehacare, Otto Bock also introduced fascinating innovations for the future – including a remote service system for power wheelchairs that transmits system information by wireless communication and also provides rapid assistance in case of problems. With "Movement", Otto Bock is developing an intelligent assistant for inpatient nurses. Its ability to independently find the right transport routes without human intervention will reduce walking, allowing more time for patient care.
According to the organizers, 47,000 visitors attended Rehacare this year to inform themselves about new products and appliances that were presented by over 800 exhibitors from 32 countries. "Every year, Rehacare has a permanent place in the appointment book of stakeholders and professionals", says Wilhelm Niedergöker, managing director of Messe Düsseldorf. The exhibitors were also extremely pleased: "Rehacare 2007 was a successful event for us. We get a first-class response here in Düsseldorf, both on the international and the national level" says Norbert Aumann, managing director of Otto Bock HealthCare GmbH.
Federal Health Minister Ulla Schmidt was one of the guests who was able to confirm this in person during her tour. She called Rehacare an "important trade fair that illustrates the possibilities people with disabilities and those who are in need of care have today, thanks to innovative technology." The next Rehacare International trade fair will take place from October 15 to 18, 2008 in Düsseldorf.
