RXB.L Regulatory News (RXB)

Rex Bionics Plc

("Rex Bionics" or the "Company")

Robert Camm, a Quadriplegic Wheel Chair User, directs REX with Mind Control technology

New RexLink Software for capturing Robot Movement Data in Real Time

4th August 2015: Rex Bionics Plc (AIM: RXB), the pioneer of the REX Robot technology that enhances the mobility of wheel-chair users, is pleased to announce the successful demonstration of REX directed by Mind Control technology at the 2015 Meeting of Robotics: Science and Systems, Rome, Italy. 

The Mind Control technology used in Rome has been developed at the Laboratory for Non-invasive Brain-Machine Interface Systems, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Houston, Texas, under the direction of Professor Jose Luis Contreras Vidal. The technology is an application of electroencephalography (EEG) - the recording of electrical activity along the scalp. The EEG application records the precise brain patterns of the REX user thinking about the process of walking; so that when the REX user, fitted with the robotic device linked to the EEG, initiates the thought of walking, a command is issued to the REX, which then responds by moving forwards.

At the conference, Robert Camm, a 21 year-old quadriplegic man from Gloucestershire, UK, with a C3 level complete spinal injury, walked in the REX while in complete and sole control, using the Mind Control technology. He was supported by a team of carers from his family and from PhysioFunction, one of the UK's leading neurological rehabilitation clinics.

At the conference, Seong-Whan Lee, Hyundai Motor Chair Professor of Brain and Cognitive Engineering at Korea University also presented his work on the control of REX with the use of Sip/Blow and Eye Movement Control systems.

Independently of the research work at the University of Houston, there is also a well-advanced research programme at the Center for Neuroprosthetics at the EPFL, Lausanne, Switzerland, under the direction of Professor Jose del Milan, also exploring the use of mind control of robots.

In a related development, the REX robot has been upgraded with enhanced RexLink software that allows researchers and therapists to precisely record all of the movements of the REX automatically and in real time. This will be valuable in the study of the biomechanics of the core REX system and the new applications in the pipeline. Development of the basic science is an important part of the Rex Bionics' innovation process and the technology will be made available to departments of Robotics at Universities around the world. 

Crispin Simon, Chief Executive of Rex Bionics Plc said "Our mission is to make REX available to all wheel-chair users, including quadriplegics. The development of these technologies represents real progress - for people with spinal cord injury and with other illnesses and injuries too. 

We are delighted that these world-class universities, operating at the leading edge of robotics technology, have chosen to work with REX." 

To read Robert Camm's thoughts on the experience, visit:

 http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/paralysed-man-who-walks-again-6174211 

For further information please contact:

Rex Bionics Plc

Crispin Simon, Chief Executive Officer

+44 (0) 748 3 167851

Peter Worrall, Chief Financial Officer

+44 (0) 142 864 5416

Stifel Nicolaus Europe Limited (NOMAD and Broker)

Jonathan Senior/Giles Balleny

+44 (0) 20 7710 7600

Consilium Strategic Communications

Mary-Jane Elliott / Jessica Hodgson / Chris Welsh / Lindsey Neville

rexbionics@consilium-comms.com

+44 (0) 203 709 5700

About Rex Bionics

Rex Bionics (AIM: RXB) is the UK AIM-listed pioneer of the REX Robot that enhances the mobility of wheel-chair users. Founded in Auckland, New Zealand by two robotics engineers with first-hand experience of wheelchair users and their needs, Rex Bionics is working with physiotherapists to develop the practice of Robot-Assisted Physiotherapy (RAP). In a session of RAP, REX lifts patients from a sitting position into a robot-supported standing position, allowing them to take part in a set of supported walking and stretching exercises, designed by specialist physiotherapists. 

Wheelchair users are at risk of developing numerous medical complications from extended periods of sitting. By enabling them to spend more time standing, walking and exercising, REX may offer significant health benefits, including improved sleep, cardiovascular performance, maintenance of joint range, and a reduction in spasms, common abdominal problems and prescription drug use. A programme of clinical trials is now under way to evaluate these potential benefits. 

REX can be used by people with complete spinal cord injury, as well as people who have suffered a stroke or other traumatic brain injury; and people with multiple sclerosis and muscular dystrophy. REX P, for use in the home, enables users to walk and stand with their hands free - providing more work and recreation options. 

Rex Bionics has been listed on AIM since April 2014. REX is not approved for At-Home use in the United States of America.

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