Touch Bionics a 2008 da Vinci Award winner

Touch Bionics, developer of the world’s first commercially available bionic hand, announced that the i-LIMB Hand has won a 2008 da Vinci Award from the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.

The da Vinci Awards recognize the most innovative developments and research in adaptive and assistive technology. The National Multiple Sclerosis Society understands well the difficulties people experience when faced with physical disabilities and created the da Vinci Awards to recognize the most innovative projects that enable participation and contribution in all aspects of society.

“We are delighted to have been awarded a 2008 da Vinci Award – a great honor from an organization like the National MS Society,” said Touch Bionics CEO Stuart Mead. “New technology allows incredible advances to be made, but these advances only come into their own when they truly help people, and this is what these awards are all about.”

Launched in 2007, the i-LIMB Hand is a first-to-market prosthetic device with five individually powered digits. With over 20 years of research and development behind it, the i-LIMB Hand looks and acts like a real human hand and represents a generational advance in bionics and patient care. Since the launch, more than 350 patients worldwide have been fitted and Touch Bionics is rapidly expanding across the globe.

“The dramatic growth and acceptance of the i-LIMB Hand has allowed Touch Bionics to move forward aggressively in how we support our customers in North America,” said Mark Ford, director, U.S. sales and marketing at Touch Bionics. “Our purchase of LIVINGSKIN in May has allowed us to increase the number of customer care staff that we have for Touch Bionics in North America, and all of our U.S. orders, returns and repairs are now handled from our New York location.”

The 2008 da Vinci Awards will be presented on Saturday, September 20, 2008 at The Ritz-Carlton in Dearborn, Michigan at a gala event featuring a cocktail reception, gourmet dinner and awards program followed by displays from the award winners.