Vuzix Smart Glasses Supporting Medacta’s NextAR Platform

Vuzix Corporation, supplier of smart glasses and augmented reality (AR) technology and products, reported further volume order of Vuzix Blade Smart Glasses in connection with the company’s support for Medacta’s the NextAR surgical AR platform. Vuzix used the Vuzix Blade to complete the first smart glasses-based total knee replacement in the U.S. last year. Medacta uses Vuzix Smart Glasses to drive new applications to leverage AR in shoulder, hip, and spine surgery.
 
The NextAR platform employs a preoperative scan, with proprietary algorithms that create a personalized biomechanical model for each replacement. Surgeons equipped with Vuzix Blade Smart Glasses can then access biomechanical visualizations using augmented reality in real time, without having to divert their eyes from the procedure to glance at a computer screen. The AR system gives surgeons complete control over every detail of the surgery to provide maximum accuracy; and eliminates the need for bulky robotic arms or dedicated equipment operators in the operating theater, further reducing costs per case.
 
“There’s no secret about the connection between comfort and adoption of AR technology, and ongoing orders like the ones we’re receiving for the Blade are proof of it,” Paul Travers, president and CEO at Vuzix told the press. “Vuzix Smart Glasses are lightweight, comfortable and completely wireless, which means surgeons have complete freedom of movement and can wear them for extended operations. We’re proud to provide the hardware backbone for Medacta’s NextAR platform as it continues to branch into new applications and are looking forward to their certification testing with our M400 and M4000 Smart Glasses.”