New Products on Display at Medica 2023
By Charles Sternberg, Associate Editor | 11.13.23
From cryotherapy to wearables, see the latest healthcare innovations at Medica.
The highly anticipated Medica Connected Healthcare Forum will bring together over a hundred start-ups and more than 120 distinguished professional speakers from November 13 to 16. This year's program is set to be a culmination of technological advancements, sustainability initiatives, and the future of healthcare.
Below is a selection of new products on display at Medica 2023.
The “icebein Recovery System” consists of a cooling unit, the so-called “Chiller,” and a pair of trousers, the "icebein Legs.” The chiller can electronically lower the ambient air temperature to 5°C within 10 minutes – without any ice.
Chiller and trousers are simply connected and the cool water can circulate uninterrupted. This way, the system evenly and consistently cools all muscles, tendons and ligaments in the leg and posterior. This makes it a modern, hygienic and ecological alternative to the ice bath.
Among further innovators within the topic of performance medicine, regeneration and rehabilitation at Medica SPORTS HUB are Skillcourt and Reaxing with AI-based diagnostic and training systems to increase cognitive and motor abilities, or Oxyhelp with an oxygen therapy system.
Following the motto “Free every day, safe in emergencies” the company wants to support everyone who wants to live independently but is insecure in situations of daily living due to a disability or advanced age. In case of a fall that may result in the wearer needing emergency aid, the fall recognition system issues an automatic distress call to up to six emergency contacts – saved in the App “caera.”
Manual activation of the distress call is also possible. Other than in the case of a classic home emergency system, the mobile bracelet features an integrated roaming SIM card and mobile phone technology for use both inside and outside the home, and in case of emergency can be located and receive a phone call. A 24-hour emergency service is available as an additional service option.
The collaborative applications are based on the sensitive “LBR Med” by KUKA with seven axles, which was certified as the world’s first robot-based component for integration into medical products. “LBR Med” can for example offer support during ultrasound examinations.
In an application, KUKA demonstrates the advantages of haptic telemanipulation using ultrasound as an example. Thanks to high-performance software, the highly sensitive “LBR Med” can be remotely controlled using the transducer. This can significantly relieve therapists during daily work in a practice or clinic, as they can assume a comfortable position during examination and use a light-weight input device, while the robot supplies the necessary strength for the examination.
The exhibit “ROBERT” from Life Science Robotics focuses on relief for therapists: Until now, the rehabilitation robot has been mobilizing the lower extremities of patients confined to bed after an accident or stroke. The audience of professionals at Medica will experience a new feature at the KUKA booth: “ROBERT” can now provide therapy for the upper extremities. The exhibit by Flux Robotics, which can support cardiac surgeons during their work, however demands the highest precision. The KUKA partner from the Netherlands will present the “Flux One System” at Medica 2023, a magnet-based technology integrated into the robotic arm of “LBR Med.”
Using this patent navigation, cardiac and vascular surgeons for example can maneuver flexible surgical instruments through blood vessels without any direct physical contact. This increases the precision and efficiency of surgical interventions, for example when inserting stents or for other minimal invasive surgeries (MIS).
Their “pocket-sized electron microscope” is supposed to detect even the smallest particles contained in air and liquids. This enables a faster analysis of viruses, which could be very beneficial in preventing infectious diseases from spreading. All in all, the device serves to generate an image of, recognize and categorize particles in the range of a hundred nanometers. The integrated sensor makes particles visible which currently are only able to be recognized in a laboratory using conventional electron microscopes. This happens in combination with an Artificial Intelligence which controls the sensor and evaluates images.
Further areas of application for this innovative tool come to mind, for example monitoring drinking water. It is for example possible to detect nano-plastics without interrupting operations, which makes it possible for the first time to protect the population from these particles.
At the large Wearable Technologies joint booth in Hall 12, the WT SHOW, around 40 participants will be presenting exciting innovations that are either already on the market or will be used in the healthcare sector in the near future.
The VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland for example has a broad range of wearables know-how and will offer information on their newest developments at the area of their joint booth, e.g. on smart bandages, hyper-spectral sensors or “green electronics” (flexible electronics made of sustainable materials). There will also be examples of fully integrated functional devices present, for example a stretchable wireless ECG adhesive and a single use bio-sensor for sweat monitoring in real-time.
Earable is also present at the WT SHOW and will present the “FRENZ Brainband.” This is the world’s first AI-controlled wearable which uses precise neuro-feedback signals to stimulate brain activities with scientifically proven techniques in order to improve sleep. Lohmann will present their new medical long-term skin adhesive band which helps to reduce costs and improve sustainability in medical settings.
The adhesive pad was especially developed for the market of continual glucose monitoring (CGM) and can be worn for 28 consecutive days which significantly increases the duration over which medical devices can be worn. This means that users have to change the expensive CGM devices less frequently, which saves costs and improves the ecological balance. The special adhesive is breathable, skin-friendly and able to be removed almost without pain in spite of the long-lasting adhesion.
During treatment, the dentist cleans the root canals with a file. A piezoceramic stack actuator combines the file’s rotation with a vibrational motion to prevent adhesions in the root canal. This way, the file doesn’t need to be cleaned as often and the treatment takes less time.
This technology can also be used for other medical applications, for example in diagnostics or cancer treatment. The Fraunhofer IKTS will present a demonstrative exhibit developed as part of the IPUCLEAN project at the joint Fraunhofer booth in Hall 8a.
Below is a selection of new products on display at Medica 2023.
Recognizing Counterfeit Medicines with a Smartphone
Illegal medicinal drugs pose an incalculable health hazard. In the future, a smartphone will be able to check the genuine identity of a medicinal drug with the help of a forgery-proof bar code system. Authentication is possible without accessing a database. During Medica 2023, researchers from Fraunhofer will present “SmartID Demonstrator” at the joint Fraunhofer booth in Hall 3.“Icebein” – Innovative and Sustainable Cryotherapy
In the large activity area of the Medica SPORTS HUB in Hall 4, an audience of professionals can try out innovative sports and health devices, learn from experts, or train like professional athletes. Here, the Sports Medtech Start-up “icebein” will present their innovative cryotherapy process.The “icebein Recovery System” consists of a cooling unit, the so-called “Chiller,” and a pair of trousers, the "icebein Legs.” The chiller can electronically lower the ambient air temperature to 5°C within 10 minutes – without any ice.
Chiller and trousers are simply connected and the cool water can circulate uninterrupted. This way, the system evenly and consistently cools all muscles, tendons and ligaments in the leg and posterior. This makes it a modern, hygienic and ecological alternative to the ice bath.
Among further innovators within the topic of performance medicine, regeneration and rehabilitation at Medica SPORTS HUB are Skillcourt and Reaxing with AI-based diagnostic and training systems to increase cognitive and motor abilities, or Oxyhelp with an oxygen therapy system.
Mobile Emergency Bracelet with Fall Detection
Beurer, a healthcare specialist from Ulm, is present again at Medica in 2023. One of the product highlights presented by Beurer in Düsseldorf, is the emergency bracelet “EC 70 SafePlus.”Following the motto “Free every day, safe in emergencies” the company wants to support everyone who wants to live independently but is insecure in situations of daily living due to a disability or advanced age. In case of a fall that may result in the wearer needing emergency aid, the fall recognition system issues an automatic distress call to up to six emergency contacts – saved in the App “caera.”
Manual activation of the distress call is also possible. Other than in the case of a classic home emergency system, the mobile bracelet features an integrated roaming SIM card and mobile phone technology for use both inside and outside the home, and in case of emergency can be located and receive a phone call. A 24-hour emergency service is available as an additional service option.
Robotics for Diagnostics, Therapy and Rehabilitation Now with New Functions
During Medica 2023, KUKA will demonstrate robot-based solutions which support doctors and therapists. The scope of possible areas of application ranges from biopsies in the case of brain tumors to ultrasound examinations to rehabilitation after accidents or strokes.The collaborative applications are based on the sensitive “LBR Med” by KUKA with seven axles, which was certified as the world’s first robot-based component for integration into medical products. “LBR Med” can for example offer support during ultrasound examinations.
In an application, KUKA demonstrates the advantages of haptic telemanipulation using ultrasound as an example. Thanks to high-performance software, the highly sensitive “LBR Med” can be remotely controlled using the transducer. This can significantly relieve therapists during daily work in a practice or clinic, as they can assume a comfortable position during examination and use a light-weight input device, while the robot supplies the necessary strength for the examination.
The exhibit “ROBERT” from Life Science Robotics focuses on relief for therapists: Until now, the rehabilitation robot has been mobilizing the lower extremities of patients confined to bed after an accident or stroke. The audience of professionals at Medica will experience a new feature at the KUKA booth: “ROBERT” can now provide therapy for the upper extremities. The exhibit by Flux Robotics, which can support cardiac surgeons during their work, however demands the highest precision. The KUKA partner from the Netherlands will present the “Flux One System” at Medica 2023, a magnet-based technology integrated into the robotic arm of “LBR Med.”
Using this patent navigation, cardiac and vascular surgeons for example can maneuver flexible surgical instruments through blood vessels without any direct physical contact. This increases the precision and efficiency of surgical interventions, for example when inserting stents or for other minimal invasive surgeries (MIS).
A “Pocket Sized” Electron Microscope
At the Medica START-UP PARK (Hall 12) which this year has seen a record participation of almost 50 start-ups, German founding teams play an important role. One of them is ‘Meiluft.’Their “pocket-sized electron microscope” is supposed to detect even the smallest particles contained in air and liquids. This enables a faster analysis of viruses, which could be very beneficial in preventing infectious diseases from spreading. All in all, the device serves to generate an image of, recognize and categorize particles in the range of a hundred nanometers. The integrated sensor makes particles visible which currently are only able to be recognized in a laboratory using conventional electron microscopes. This happens in combination with an Artificial Intelligence which controls the sensor and evaluates images.
Further areas of application for this innovative tool come to mind, for example monitoring drinking water. It is for example possible to detect nano-plastics without interrupting operations, which makes it possible for the first time to protect the population from these particles.
Wearables: Tiny Jacks of All Trades in the Service of Health
Wearables, small wearable devices, can offer a valuable contribution to monitor and improve the status of your health in simple yet technically sophisticated manner.At the large Wearable Technologies joint booth in Hall 12, the WT SHOW, around 40 participants will be presenting exciting innovations that are either already on the market or will be used in the healthcare sector in the near future.
The VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland for example has a broad range of wearables know-how and will offer information on their newest developments at the area of their joint booth, e.g. on smart bandages, hyper-spectral sensors or “green electronics” (flexible electronics made of sustainable materials). There will also be examples of fully integrated functional devices present, for example a stretchable wireless ECG adhesive and a single use bio-sensor for sweat monitoring in real-time.
Earable is also present at the WT SHOW and will present the “FRENZ Brainband.” This is the world’s first AI-controlled wearable which uses precise neuro-feedback signals to stimulate brain activities with scientifically proven techniques in order to improve sleep. Lohmann will present their new medical long-term skin adhesive band which helps to reduce costs and improve sustainability in medical settings.
The adhesive pad was especially developed for the market of continual glucose monitoring (CGM) and can be worn for 28 consecutive days which significantly increases the duration over which medical devices can be worn. This means that users have to change the expensive CGM devices less frequently, which saves costs and improves the ecological balance. The special adhesive is breathable, skin-friendly and able to be removed almost without pain in spite of the long-lasting adhesion.
Compamed Innovation: Piezo-Ceramics Shorten Root Canals
Researchers at the Fraunhofer Institute for Ceramic Technologies and Systems (IKTS) have developed a technology that noticeably simplifies root canal treatment at the dentist.During treatment, the dentist cleans the root canals with a file. A piezoceramic stack actuator combines the file’s rotation with a vibrational motion to prevent adhesions in the root canal. This way, the file doesn’t need to be cleaned as often and the treatment takes less time.
This technology can also be used for other medical applications, for example in diagnostics or cancer treatment. The Fraunhofer IKTS will present a demonstrative exhibit developed as part of the IPUCLEAN project at the joint Fraunhofer booth in Hall 8a.
