OMER, Israel, June 2, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Medigus Ltd. (TASE: MDGS), a medical device company developing minimally invasive endosurgical tools and a leader in direct visualization technology, announced today that the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has awarded them with an additional supply order of Medigus' micro ScoutCamTM technology, consisting of specially designed miniature video cameras and advance video processing equipment, for use on NASA's Robotic Refueling Mission (RRM). The RRM is an experiment on the International Space Station (ISS) that has been demonstrating tools, technologies and techniques for on-orbit satellite servicing since 2011.
"We are extremely proud of this achievement, which was made possible by the company's vast experience in the field of miniature video cameras and video processing technologies, as well as its extensive know-how in the field of medical endoscopy," said Chris Rowland, CEO, Medigus.
Medigus' micro ScoutCamTM 1.2, at a mere 1.2mm diameter in size, is already being utilized as the borescope camera on NASA's Visual Inspection Poseable Invertebrate Robot (VIPIR) tool. VIPIR is a robotic, maneuverable, borescope inspection tool that is designed to provide unique visual inspection capabilities in space and is being tested as part of the RRM. VIPIR was launched to the International Space Station in July 2014 on board the European Space Agency's Automated Transfer Vehicle 5. NASA conducted RRM experiment operations on ISS with the tool in May 2015.
Pursuant to the order, Medigus will develop specially designed cameras, with a CMOS sensor, based on NASA's specifications. Medigus will supply NASA with the specially designed cameras for implementation on the next generation of the VIPIR.
"It is quite an accomplishment to have secured an additional contract with NASA," said Yaron Silberman, VP Sales and Marketing, Medigus. "It comes after NASA tested the robustness of our previously supplied camera in space, and we take it as a testament to NASA's satisfaction with the quality of Medigus' products." "We look forward to continuing our work with NASA's talented team and tailoring our micro ScoutCamTM technology to their specifications," he added.
micro ScoutCamTM technology provides versatility and is supported by key features including its miniature size, remarkable image quality, state of the art customizable optics, waterproof materials, and its adaptability in extreme temperatures. It can be tailored for both medical and industrial applications.
About Medigus
Medigus is a medical device company specializing in developing minimally invasive endosurgical tools and highly innovative imaging solutions. Medigus is a pioneer developer of a unique proprietary endoscopic device, the MUSETM system, to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), one of the most common chronic diseases in the western world. As an expert in micro-endoscopic devices, Medigus has developed a range of micro CMOS (complementary metal-oxide semiconductor) and CCD (charge-coupled device) video cameras, including micro ScoutCamTM 1.2, which the company believes is the smallest in the world. These innovative cameras are suitable for both medical and industrial applications. The MUSE system incorporates Medigus' revolutionary micro ScoutCam technology. Based on its proprietary technologies, Medigus designs and manufactures endoscopy and micro camera systems for partner companies, including major players in the medical and industrial fields. The company is committed to providing integrated solutions to meet all of its customer's imaging needs. Medigus is traded on the Nasdaq Capital Market and the TASE (Tel-Aviv Stock Exchange). To learn more about the company's advanced technology, please visit www.medigus.com or www.microscoutcam.com.
About micro ScoutCamTM 1.2
Medigus has developed a revolutionary 1.2mm-diameter CMOS (complementary metal-oxide semiconductor) camera - which to the best of the company's knowledge, is the smallest video camera in the world. This innovative camera is suitable for both medical and industrial applications. Centered around an advanced technology platform, micro ScoutCamTM 1.2 and Medigus' related endoscopic technologies have already been implemented in the following medical fields: Gastroenterology, Bronchoscopy, Cardiovascular, ENT, Urology, Gynecology, General Surgery, Orthopedics, Dental and NOTES (Natural Orifice Trans-luminal Endoscopic Surgery). The cameras are also in use at leading industrial companies in a variety of applications such as remote non-destructive testing (NDT), micro drilling inspection, cavities inspection, tube inspection and robotics.
About the micro ScoutCamTM Portfolio
As an expert in micro-endoscopic devices, Medigus developed the micro ScoutCamTM portfolio, which consists of a variety of micro CMOS and CCD video cameras, and includes micro ScoutCamTM 1.2, which to the best of the company's knowledge, is the smallest in the world. micro ScoutCam technology features optic and illumination solutions, micro sensors and high-end DSP video processors that can be tailored for both medical and industrial applications. Customization and seamless integration is at the forefront of the micro ScoutCam portfolio's design. All micro ScoutCam cameras are manufactured at Medigus' facilities, in a controlled environment, ISO 7 per the ISO 14644-1 Standard and 9001 for Quality Management System.
About The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
NASA's missions, programs and projects are ensuring the United States will remain the world's leader in space exploration and scientific discovery for years to come, while making critical advances in aerospace, technology development and aeronautics.
Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This press release may contain statements that are "Forward-Looking Statements," which are based upon the current estimates, assumptions and expectations of the company's management and its knowledge of the relevant market. The company has tried, where possible, to identify such information and statements by using words such as "anticipate," "believe," "envision," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "may," "plan," "predict," "project," "target," "potential," "will," "would," "could," "should," "continue," "contemplate" and other similar expressions and derivations thereof in connection with any discussion of future events, trends or prospects or future operating or financial performance, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. By their nature, Forward-Looking Statements involve uncertainties which may cause future results of the company's activity to differ significantly from the content and implications of such statements. Among the factors which may cause the actual results to differ from the Forward-Looking Statements are changes in the target market and the introduction of competitive products, regulatory, legislative and policy changes, and clinical results. Forward-Looking Statements are pertinent only as of the date on which they are made, and the company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any Forward-Looking Statements, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise. Neither the company nor its shareholders, officers and employees, shall be liable for any action and the results of any action taken by any person based on the information contained herein, including without limitation the purchase or sale of company securities. Nothing in this press release should be deemed to be medical or other advice of any kind.
# # #
MEDIA CONTACT:
Chantal Beaudry / Carrie Yamond
Lazar Partners Ltd.
212-867-1762
cbeaudry@lazarpartners.com
cyamond@lazarpartners.com
INVESTOR RELATIONS:
Miri Segal-Scharia
Hayden/ MS-IR LLC
917-607-8654
msegal@ms-ir.com
NASA CONTACT:
Dewayne Washington
NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center
301-286-0040
dewayne.a.washington@nasa.gov
Press release (PDF) http://hugin.info/157792/R/1925556/690904.pdf
HUG#1925556