VirtualRehab, has been shortlisted for the BDigital Awards, for Digital Innovation, convened by the Barcelona Digital Technology Centre as part of the 14th BDigital Global Congress.
Virtualware with VirtualRehab, Cognicor Technologies with Cognicor, and the Factoria d’Imatges with Planet Factory Maker, are the three SMEs competing for the award for best R&D&I project for small businesses and entrepreneurs. The winning projects will be announced on June 5.
VIRTUALREHAB, REHABILITATION WITH KINECT
The Virtualware finalist’s project opened a market where nobody was doing anything: its solution, VirtualRehab, uses Kinect as an element in the treatment of patients who must undergo physical rehabilitation. The Microsoft device was seen as a disruptive element. The patient and their body could become the command: “this opened up an enormous range of possibilities for us” says Julio Álvarez, Director of the Virtualware Health Unit.
“All patients with neurodegenerative disorders with physical impairment may benefit from the solution,” said Álvarez. Multiple Sclerosis, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s or deterioration associated with old age are some of the problems whose rehabilitation may improve with VirtualRehab for Kinect, as Julio Álvarez argues. In addition, the simplicity of use of the device for the elderly makes it much more accessible. “Globally there is nothing so developed,” says Julio Álvarez, “There are people taking steps with Kinect SDK, but it’s not so developed yet”.
The solution is already in use in Spain (they have reached an agreement with the Multiple Sclerosis Association of Vizcaya) and they have just completed a study with 25 patients confirming improvement in those who use it. In the UK they are in talks with the National Health Service and with a patient organization with a view to linking up. The tool will not only be limited to hospitals and medical centers. “We are completing the online platform in the cloud which will allow users to do exercises at home,” said Julio Álvarez.
BDigital Awards for Digital Innovation
These are intended to support ideas and innovative projects for technological applications, based on results generated in technology companies, technology centers and universities, as well as innovative products and services, developed or under development, designed to drive business results and/or technology generated in the area of the information society and the digital world. The winning projects will be announced on June 5.
About BDigital Global Congress
The BDigital Global Congress is the Congress of reference in advances in Information and Communications Technologies (ICT) and its application in business, technological and social fields. The 14th Congress will be held from June 4 to June 6 in the CaixaForum Auditorium. The Congress is a leader in the dissemination and promotion of trends and technological advances. Under the theme “Managing a Digital Ecosystem” this year’s congress focuses on showing the latest innovations with regard to the progressive technological development of our environment: individuals and digital businesses interact (social media), move (urban mobility) and consume (mobile payments).