Technology group Fourier Intelligence has signed a global partnership with a Canadian institution which aims to advance research and development in rehab robotics.
Fourier has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the KITE Research Institute at the Toronto Rehabilitation Institute – University Health Network (UHN).
The agreement will enable the expansion of KITE’s robotics research and education capabilities; including through the establishment of a “world-class” rehab robotics centre, underpinned by Fourier’s next-gen RehabHub platform and support from its network of researchers.
KITE is a world leader in complex rehabilitation science and is dedicated to improving the lives of people living with the effects of disability, illness and ageing.
It is among the most advanced rehab research facilities in the world, and one of the principal research enterprises at Canada’s top research hospital network, UHN.
The new partnership is timely, given the impact of COVID-19 and its role as a catalyst for greater adoption of home-based rehab technologies and tele-health.
The MOU brings together clinicians, researchers, and engineers in technology development to further propel the field of rehab robotics/technologies and help support users through successful healthcare technology integrations.
Dr Milos R. Popovic, director of the KITE Research Institute.
The MOU was co-signed on 16 December by Dr Milos R. Popovic, director of the KITE Research Institute, a pioneer in the field of bioengineering and assistive technologies and Zen Koh, Fourier Intelligence’s co-founder and group deputy CEO.
Popovic, a professor with the Institute of Biomedical Engineering at the University of Toronto, said: “Zen and I have been acquainted for many years, and it is great to finally come together in a collaboration to realise what we have both been discussing for the past few years.
“Fourier is a great partner and this agreement will help us achieve KITE’s vision of developing a new world-class Rehab Robotics Centre. We are currently in the process of raising $12 million to get this Rehab Robotics Centre up and running.”
Zen Koh, co-founder, group deputy CEO, Fourier Intelligence.
Fourier’s Zen Koh added: “We are excited about this partnership. KITE, under the leadership of Milos, is considered one of the top global research facilities in the field of rehabilitation.
“Working together, we can consolidate our resources and jointly design and develop next-generation technologies for our clinicians and patients.”
The MOU’s areas of focus include robotics rehabilitation research, the formation of a joint lab with Fourier Intelligence’s numerous institutional research labs and a regional education centre.
Professor Denny Oetomo, who leads the University of Melbourne & Fourier Intelligence Robotics Lab, was also present during the virtual signing ceremony.
“We are thrilled to be able to work with KITE as they have well-integrated engineering and clinical testing,” said Oetomo.
Fourier Intelligence’s RehabHub.
KITE will also join Fourier’s Global Rehabilitation and Assistive Technology Network (GReAT) Network, to optimise resource sharing and promote translational research of rehabilitation technology into clinical practice.
GReAT’s objective is to optimise resource sharing in neuro-rehab research, to advance known-best-care by optimising existing technologies, as well as promoting innovative discoveries to be translated into clinical practice with due efficiency and circumspection.
