The Otto Bock Science Centre Medical Technology opened to several hundred guests yesterday,
16 June, in Berlin, Germany, showcasing unique technology to the world.
Visitors to Germany’s capital can now see this new attraction, which began its construction
March 2008. The official inauguration of the building had many distinguished guests, including
Federal Minister of External Affairs Frank-Walter Steinmeier, Premier of Thuringia Dieter Althaus,
Mayor of Berlin Klaus Wowereit, and International Paralympic Committee (IPC) Chief Operating
Officer Georg Schlachtenberger.
Located on Ebertstrasse, between Potsdamer Platz and the Brandenburg Gate, the centre offers
a wealth of knowledge through multimedia installations and various interactive experiences. With
the motto “Grasping what moves us”, the medical technology company Otto Bock is offering
multi-faceted insight for anyone who is interested in the area of human mobility.
The Science Centre Medical Technology building has three levels and a total of 450 square
metres forming an open area. All visitors for example can explore the true complexity of seemingly
ordinary movement patterns like walking and gripping. Also, the way an understanding of biological
processes inspires research and development in the field of medical technology is clearly
illustrated.
As innovation for people with a disability is one of the focal points, visitors at the Otto
Bock Science Centre Medical Technology can additionally experience the functionality of prosthesis,
orthoses and wheelchairs directly. A virtual obstacle course for instance around the Pariser Platz
in Berlin, is part of the showcase, further outlining the areas of interest.
Otto Bock is one of the IPC’s world wide partners. It was founded as a start-up company in
Berlin 90 years ago and is today’s global market leader in the field of prosthetics with
subsidiaries in 40 countries around the world. Additional business areas include orthotics,
wheelchairs and, since 2006, neurostimulation. All national and international activities are
co-ordinated from the company headquarters in Duderstadt, Germany.
For more information about Otto Bock, please visit
www.ottobock.com.