MOUNT STERLING, OHIO, MAY 8, 2023 – WillowWood Global LLC (“WillowWood”), a leading designer, manufacturer, and distributor of prosthetic products, today announced that it has released the Alpha Control Liner System in collaboration with Coapt LLC, the first prosthetic liner with embedded electronics. The liner’s novel design and embedded electronics capture and condition muscle contraction signals generated by the wearer and communicate seamlessly with a Coapt Complete Control myoelectric pattern recognition system in the prosthesis. The Alpha Control Liner System benefits individuals utilizing a myoelectric prosthesis by enabling more comfortable and consistent electrode contact with the skin, therefore providing better functional control of the prosthesis. Further, it reduces the time and complexity of fitting and fabricating the prosthesis.
“We believe the Alpha Control Liner System will advance the care of upper extremity prosthesis patients by overcoming the key challenges with myoelectric prosthesis interfaces,” said Matt Wernke PhD, Director of Research and Development at WillowWood. “The results from our Department of Defense funded clinical trial found that Alpha Control Liner System improved outcomes across key metrics for both the patient and clinician compared to the current standard of care interfaces.”
The robust and high-quality myoelectric signals from the Alpha Control Liner System enable peak performance of Coapt’s Complete Control System. The Complete Control system uses machine learning to decode the intentions of the user and control the actions of the prosthesis. “Coapt was the first to commercialize pattern recognition technology for myoelectric prostheses and has stayed a leader in innovation. This partnership with WillowWood brings together revolutionary liner technology and best-in-class myoelectric technology to define the new gold standard for prosthesis control,” says Blair Lock, CEO of Coapt.
“We are excited to lead the transformation of the prosthetic interface from passive to more functionally capable. This system focuses on addressing the challenges persistent in upper extremity myoelectric prostheses and in the future will have impact for other levels of prosthetic care,” said Daniel Rubin, COO of WillowWood.
About Coapt
Founded in 2012, Coapt makes human-machine interfaces and is the first company with FDA Class II Clearance to provide revolutionary and intuitive control technology for advanced prosthetic upper limbs. Founded by four leading researchers in the bionics field, Coapt is based on years of research and clinical care. Coapt is an award-winning company that strives to improve the quality of life for prosthesis users by applying clinically dedicated engineering to its portfolio of transformative technologies. For more information, visit www.coaptengineering.com.
About WillowWood Global LLC
Based in Mount Sterling, Ohio, WillowWood Global (www.willowwood.com) is an industry-leading designer, manufacturer, and distributor of prosthetic products, including liners, feet, vacuum systems, and components. Recognized for its products’ superior innovation, quality, and patient outcomes, WillowWood’s portfolio includes the Alpha® family of liners, the Koa® LP and Meta® families of high-activity feet, the LimbLogic® vacuum system, and the OMEGA® CAD system. For over 115 years, WillowWood’s prosthetic products have helped individuals with limb loss find comfort and functionality, remain active, and live life to the fullest.