From the Laboratory to the Reality of Daily Life

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DUDERSTADT, Germany, August 30, 2010 - Christian Kandlbauer, who lost both of his arms in a high
voltage accident, uses a unique development which until recently sounded
almost like science fiction: An arm prosthesis, the first of its kind in the
world, which he controls solely through the power of his mind.

In 2008 Otto Bock presented a prototype of the first mind
controlled prosthetic limb. Now the company presents the first mind
controlled prosthesis suitable for every day use. This unique development,
Christian Kandlbauer uses on the left side, enhanced his regained
independence and confidence enabling him not only to take up his original
occupation but also to make the journey to his place of work independently in
his own car.

In cooperation with research partners in the USA, Otto Bock
utilized existing expertise of Targeted Muscle Reinnervation (TMR) from Todd
Kuiken, MD, PhD of the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago, teamed together
with specialists from Vienna's General Hospital performing TMR on patients.
This involves transferring of residual nerves to the pectoral muscle so that
signals coming from the brain are used to control the prosthesis.

As emphasized by Dr Hubert Egger, head of the project, a
reduction in weight down to 2.5 kg and the appearance of a natural arm was
essential for its use in every day life.

Future Perspectives

Under laboratory conditions and with the help of micro-sensors
that have been integrated into the index finger, Christian Kandlbauer is also
able to feel just like he did before the accident. However, this fascinating
further development will still take some time to perfect. Dr. Hans Dietl, CEO
of Otto Bock HealthCare Products in Vienna, expects to bring the sensory arm
prosthesis to market in approximately four years.

More information: www.ottobock.com/press/tmr

    Contact:

    Otto Bock HealthCare
    Rudiger Herzog
    Max-Nader-Strasse 15
    37115 Duderstadt
    Deutschland
    Telephone: +49-5527-848-1859
    Fax: +49-5527-848-3360
    E-Mail: ruediger.herzog@ottobock.de

    Homepage: www.ottobock.com

Contact: Otto Bock HealthCare, Rudiger Herzog, Max-Nader-Strasse 15, 37115 Duderstadt, Deutschland, Telephone: +49-5527-848-1859, Fax: +49-5527-848-3360, E-Mail: ruediger.herzog at ottobock.de .