What's next in wearables; Toray’s Raytela; UR’s cobot leasing program

Only 1 week left in January 2020, where did the time go? In a few weeks our medical device design and manufacture industry forecast issue will be out discussing how things will look in the next 3-5 years. The industry is solid and expanding. People need medical technology and orthopedic joint replacement is not just for Baby Boomers. Last year I had 3 friends under age 50 receive hip transplants; one is getting her other hip replaced this year. Also a nice start to 2020 was the permanent repeal of the medical device tax, helping manufacturers feel more stability in the decade.

Oh, and decade, some argue it’s not the new decade until 2021 – a battle of the 1’s and 0’s has ensued. Those saying the new decade started in 2020 claim they count 0-9; those saying it will start in 2021 count 1-10. Either which way you view it, welcome to 2020 where medical device and technology advancements are in high demand. 

Toray’s Raytela polymer optical fiber

Toray Industries has met the increasing demand for high quality imaging in the minimally invasive surgical market with the Raytela fiber optic cable. It’s a very flexible and highly efficient transmitter of high intensity light so it requires less intensity at the light source. An additional special characteristic is the wider degree of light broadcasting at the distal end. These special capabilities result in significantly smaller diameter devices that require fewer light cables.

New devices developed to diagnose new disease indications must negotiate significantly more tortuous paths than previously capable. In addition to the smaller diameter, the Raytela optical fiber can negotiate 9mm radius bends and bend back upon itself 180° with no diminution in light intensity. As compared to glass fibers used in many devices, Raytela has more resistance to fracture and longer life.

Raytela is available in 4 diameters from 250µm to 1,000µm. 

Stress-recovery wearables, Covestro polycarbonate blend

Apollo Neuroscience’s Apollo is the first wearable to help the body beat stress by rapidly restoring its natural equilibrium for better sleep, energy, and more. It doesn’t just track your body – it uses vibration to improve recovery from stress. Originally developed by physicians and neuroscientists at the University of Pittsburgh, Apollo’s gentle vibration waves signal safety to the body and improve HRV – all through the sense of touch.

© Apollo Neuroscience | https://apolloneuro.com

Worn on the wrist or ankle, the wearable required a material that withstands everyday products – such as lotions, perfumes, detergents – as well as drops and daily wear and tear. Makroblend M525 PC+polyester blend from Covestro delivers the toughness and chemical resistance needed to create this durable yet lightweight device.

Zachary Williams, market development, Healthcare – Polycarbonates, Covestro LLC, says, “Makroblend M525 PC+polyester blend meets two important requirements – toughness and chemical resistance – to help Apollo users find balance with a strong and lightweight device that remains unchanged when exposed to a variety of personal care products.”

“Apollo is about empowering people to take control of their health – that’s why we chose Covestro as a partner,” says John Maholtz, COO at Apollo Neuroscience.

The device works in tandem with an intuitive app which, according to Apollo, features a variety of programs that help users:

• Increase energy
• Improve focus
• Accelerate recovery
• Support meditation
• Deepen relaxation
• Promote sleep 

Universal Robots’ financial services leasing program

Universal Robots (UR) launched its new cobot leasing program in collaboration with DLL, a global vendor finance company, enabling benefits of automation without worrying about cash flow and seasonal fluctuations.

DLL offers UR’s customers tailor made financing and leasing programs designed to meet the needs of the modern manufacturing business, while enabling growth. As business needs change, customers will have the option to schedule payments to fit fluctuations in cash flow, upgrade to new equipment, or add cobots anytime during the contract term. At the end of the finance term, customers will have the option to buy the equipment for a fraction of the original cost, upgrade to newer technology, extend the finance term or simply return the equipment.

UR’s distributor network will work directly with DLL’s dedicated finance experts in each country to provide new payment and leasing options for interested customers. Through the experts’ specialized asset knowledge, flexible financing solutions and strategic marketing resources, they will support UR to execute the growth strategy. End users will continue to experience the benefits of working with UR, including its global reach, local support, service and maintenance, training offerings through its online UR Academy and global network of Authorized Training Centers, and UR’s extensive UR+ Ecosystem.