A miniature size stereo camera module of only 1mm x 2.2mm x 1.6mm size was recognized as the most innovative electronics component for the medical industry at the annual industry gathering MEDICA* (20-23 November 2013, Dusseldorf, Germany). The camera module was developed by image sensor provider AWAIBA (www.awaiba.com), supported by Fraunhofer IZM who contributed the wafer level technology for the assembly process.

AWAIBA was awarded the prestigious Award for its miniaturized 3D stereo camera modules that enables the integration of 3D vision into the finest category of medical endoscopes used for micro invasive surgery in organs like lung, kidney or the brain and reproductive tract. The introduction of Stereoscopy in these devices does not only permit 3D image display to the surgeon, which increases his precision of operation and may reduce the duration and cost of surgical procedures while reducing the risk to the patient, but combined with 3D data reconstruction it also permits to take accurate measurements and facilitate in body navigation and tool operation.

AWAIBA’s ground breaking technology which was developed together with Fraunhofer IZM Berlin does not only miniaturize the physical size of the Stereo camera module, but it also bears the potential to reduce the production cost of such modules to a level they can be introduced in disposable “one time use” products. One time use products reduce the risk of patient infection and may permit to perform surgery outside the hospital operation theatre at local doctors’ offices, which will greatly reduce the total cost of a procedure.

“The AWARD does not only recognize AWAIBA’s development team and their research partners for their leading technology but the fact that a camera module primed over other electronics components such as the electronic components used in ultrasound imaging, pumps, or peacemakers and ECG equipment shows the increased awareness of vision and 3D imaging technology in the Med-tech sector and its importance for future advances” commented Martin Wäny, founder and CEO of AWAIBA after the award ceremony. So the DEVICE Med Award can be considered as an honor for all the achievements of image capturing and micro-optics in the field of Med-tech.

* The annual trade fair MEDICA attracted over 130’000 visitors from 120 countries and 4,600 exhibitors from 66 countries worldwide, amongst them 681 exhibitors for sub components of Med-tech equipment grouped in the forum “Compamed”. The “Device Med Award” is attributed annually by leading journalists of the medical component market for the most innovative technologies and devices.

More informationen:

• www.awaiba.com
• www.medica.de
• http://www.devicemed.de/szene/articles

More pictures:

• www.awaiba.com/download/naneye_stereo_cent.jpg
• www.awaiba.com/download/NanEyeStereo_007.jpg
• www.awaiba.com/download/NanEyeStereo_012.jpg