Advances in technology are making the prospect of greater mobility a reality for some individuals with spinal cord injuries. 

Independence Technology, LLC, a subsidiary of Johnson and Johnson, is currently marketing two new products, designed to assist wheelchair users achieve greater mobility – the Independence iBOT™  3000 Mobility System and the Independence iGLIDE™ Manual Assist Wheelchair.

The iBOT™, according to its creators, is a “transformational device” that features an electronic balance system that is programmed and calibrated to its owner’s unique movements. It uses a combination of sensor and software components that mimic the principles of human balance.

This system enables the user to climb stairs as well as to raise the chair to make eye-to-eye contact or retrieve items from high shelves.   It also boasts a four-wheel drive function that allows the user to travel though grass, gravel, sand or puddles and to climb curbs. A remote function allows its user to use a detachable joystick to drive the unoccupied chair into a van or SUV for transport.

The iBOT™  technology was created by inventor and entrepreneur, Dean Kamen, who recently made headlines with his Segway Human Transporter.  Kamen’s DEKA Research and Technology Corporation partnered with Johnson and Johnson over an eight-year period to produce, test and market the iBOT™.

While the iBOT™ holds tremendous promise, it is not for everyone.  Individuals wishing to use an iBOT™ must go through a rigorous assessment and training process.  At present, training centers are located in or planned for major metropolitan areas, including New York, Miami, Chicago, Southern California, Denver, St. Louis, Washington, DC, Pittsburgh, Atlanta, San Francisco and Houston.

And iBOT’s™ $29,000 price tag puts it out of the reach of many, as well.  According to a company spokesperson, “Independence Technology has been working closely with Medicare and Medicaid as well as private insurers to pursue insurance coverage.  We’ve made some good progress, but we need to work with each case individually.” 

The company suggests that interested individuals call their Customer Service Center at 1-866-813-0761 to discuss their particular insurance issues.

The iBOT™ will be demonstrated in Phoenix this fall at the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation conference, October 7 – 10, 2004.  Professional interested in attending the conference can get more information at (312) 464-9700 or info@aapmr.org.

For individuals who want greater mobility, but are not ready or able to consider an iBOT™, Independence Technology is also marketing its iGLIDE™ Manual Assist Wheelchair. 

The iGLIDE™ is operated by the user’s pressure on the handrim, similar to a manual wheelchair, but it utilizes a series of sensors and microprocessors to determine how much effort is needed to negotiate different types of terrain.  The wheelchair then provides enough power to ensure that the user expends a consistent degree of effort, whether traveling over a level sidewalk, a grassy field, or up a ramp.

The chair provides many of the advantages of a power chair without some of the disadvantages – because power is supplied only as needed, the chair carries less battery power than a traditional power wheelchair, so it is lighter and more flexible.

Governor’s Council member Gary Frandino recently tested the iGLIDE™ and concluded that the chair “would take some getting used to” because it requires different handling than a traditional manual chair.  He felt the chair might be most useful for individuals who are unable to power a traditional manual chair or who regularly traverse difficult terrain.

The iGLIDE™ is priced at $7,900.  Individuals who are interested in learning more or in exploring insurance reimbursement can call Independence Technology’s Customer Service Center at 1-866-813-0761 or request a free product demonstration by filling out the request form on the company’s Web site.