Local Research and Development Company Included in Technology World Fair
SILVER SPRING, MARYLAND (May 7, 2004) — AnthroTronix, Inc., a local research and development company, has been invited to attend WIRED NextFest in San Francisco, CA from May 14 – May 16, 2004. WIRED magazine selected 70 companies to highlight innovative technology being developed internationally. AnthroTronix, Inc. will be showcased in the NextFest Health and Security pavilion highlighting the CosmoBot™ system, a rehabilitation and educational tool for children with and without disabilities. AnthroTronix, Inc. was recently selected as a 2004 technology Pioneer by the World Economic Forum and highlighted in the Washington Post and Time magazine.
For play, education, or therapy, children control the 16” high fully interactive robot, CosmoBot™, through body movement, buttons and joystick, or through voice. Mission Control™ is an accessible computer interface that enables children to access their favorite computer games while working on developmental goals such as receptive and expressive communication skills. A suite of software games designed to encourage interaction captivates children during play, working on developmental goals, and therapy. Data is collected and analyzed during use. The CosmoBot™ system motivates children and collects data in the clinic, school, or at home enabling therapists and teachers to focus on developmental goals. Parents no longer need to promise special treats to children to attend therapy sessions or so their homework. AnthroTronix plans to develop and manufacture our first product, Mission Control™, in early 2005.
“AnthroTronix, Inc. is honored to be a participant at WIRED NextFest. AnthroTronix is committed to designing, developing, and providing effective technology to children with and without disabilities to promote functional development. It is my hope that AnthroTronix participation in NextFest will highlight the importance of assistive technology in the marketplace. We believe that assistive technology is inclusive technology,” said Corinna Lathan, President and CEO of AnthroTronix.
Development of the CosmoBot system is being supported through grants from the National Science Foundation, The Department of Education, and the National Institutes of Health. Corporate partners include Ingeeni Studios, Inc. AnthroTronix is currently looking for investors to support the manufacturing of CosmoBot™ in 2006. Products will be marketed to assistive technology practitioners, special educators, parents of children with disabilities and the general public.
“WIRED NextFest will showcase the technologies that will transform the way we live, work, and play in the future. Essentially, it’s WIRED Magazine brought to life,” said Drew Schutte, publisher of WIRED Magazine. “Our exhibitors are on the cutting-edge of innovation – without them, as well as the generous support of GE and our event sponsors, it would not be possible to stage such an incredible festival. WIRED NextFest is the portal to the future for the dreamer in us all.”
About WIRED NextFest
Created by WIRED Magazine and presented by GE, WIRED NextFest is a unique exhibition that brings together – for the first time under one roof – innovations from inventors and R&D labs around the world. Created for kids and adults alike, WIRED NextFest will showcase more than 100 hands-on exhibits that center on “the future of” seven core themes: entertainment, communications, transportation, space/undersea exploration, health, design and security.
WIRED NextFest is open for General Admission on Saturday, May 15 & Sunday, May 16, from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. PT. It will be staged in San Francisco at Fort Mason’s Festival Pavilion. For additional information about WIRED NextFest or to buy tickets, please visit www.nextfest.net.
WIRED NextFest is sponsored by GM, HP, Motorola, T-Mobile HotSpot, The Science Channel and Yahoo! Search.
Press can register for WIRED NextFest by contacting Devon McMahon at PR21, ph. 415-369-8110 or devon.mcmahon@pr21.com .