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Wicab, Inc.

Wicab, Inc., is a privately held medical device company dedicated to providing innovative devices for individuals based on sensory substitution technology originally developed by Dr. Paul Bach-y-Rita at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

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Google provided funding for the BrainPort Vision Aid FDA clinical trials and the U.S. Army also provided significant funding to further test and develop BrainPort Vision Pro technology.

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Currently, the BrainPort Vision Pro is commercially available in the USA, European Union (CE mark), Chile, Peru, and Hong Kong. 

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The BrainPort Balance Plus device is available for training and sale across Canada through our authorized distributor Lifemark, in the province of Quebec through Neurotherapy Montreal and is licensed by Health Canada.

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Wicab, Inc. is a ISO 13485-2016 certified medical device company.

Dr. Paul Bach-y-Rita
Company History

Wicab, Inc. was founded in 1998 by the late

Dr. Paul Bach-y-Rita (1934-2006), a medical doctor and pioneer in the fields of sensory substitution, rehab medicine, and neuroplasticity.

 

The BrainPort technology is based on Dr. Bach-y-Rita’s research, originating in the 1960’s. This research included successfully transmitting visual information from a camera to blind individuals via vibrating plates against their backs, leading him to famously note, "you don’t ‘see’ with your eyes, you ‘see’ with your brain”.

 

Dr. Bach-y-Rita began this work while at Smith-Kettlewell Institute of Visual Sciences in San Francisco. He returned to this subject in the 1990's as a Professor of Rehab Medicine and Biomedical Engineering at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. This is where he began to identify the tongue as an ideal interface to the brain and advances in miniaturization of camera and computer technology allowed development of wearable devices. His work is regarded as the first experimental evidence for brain plasticity and the feasibility of sensory substitution (Guardian Science Weekly 20/04/2009). Dr. Bach-y-Rita named the company Wicab Inc. after his wife’s maiden name.

 

Learn more about Dr. Bach-y-Rita and his work through this excerpt from Dr. Norman Doidge's book, "The Brain That Changes Itself".

  • Is this vision?
    No, the BrainPort Vision Pro system is classified as an oral electronic vision aid. It works like a 394-point refreshable Braille display from which you learn to interpret the bubble-like patterns on your tongue as representative of objects in their surroundings. A current user told us, “I do not see images as if I were sighted, but if I look at a soccer ball I feel a round solid disk on my tongue. The stimulation on the tongue works very much like pixels on a visual screen”.
  • Will it work for me?
    The technology works best for individuals who have no useful vision (light perception or no light perception), have already completed traditional blind rehabilitation programs, and are committed to training and practice. Individuals with medical electrical implants or oral health issues should consult a physician prior to BrainPort Vision Pro use.
  • What does stimulation feel like on my tongue?
    Electrical stimulation can best be described as sparkling water or vibrations on the tongue. You control the strength of the signal to maintain a comfortable sensation.
  • Tell me about the complete training program.
    A typical training course is 10 hours, spread over a 3-day period, with a certified instructor. The training sessions consist of a series of exercises to help the user understand the information they are feeling on their tongue. Currently, the BrainPort Vision Pro device is only available in China. We are working on reintroducing the device into the USA and EU in late 2022.
  • What is included with the BrainPort Vision Pro?
    BrainPort Vision Pro package includes the headset with integral video camera, padded carrying case, 2 rechargeable lithium batteries, battery charger, and user manual.
  • What is the warranty?
    The BrainPort Vision Pro comes with a full two (2) year warranty. If there is a problem with the device, simply contact our Service Team and we will repair or replace the device.
  • How do I clean the IOD?
    We recommend that you clean the Intra Oral Device (IOD or tongue array), once per week using one of the cleansers listed below. Following cleaning, thoroughly rinse the IOD with tap water to remove any residual cleanser and allow to air-dry. The cleansers listed below have been tested and shown to be compatible with the materials used in the IOD. Read the BrainPort Vision Pro Instructions for Use, included with each device for more information regarding cleaning your device. Approved Cleansers: 70% isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol) 70% ethyl alcohol (ethanol)
  • Is this vision?
    No, the BrainPort Vision Pro system is classified as an oral electronic vision aid. It works like a 394-point refreshable Braille display from which you learn to interpret the bubble-like patterns on your tongue as representative of objects in their surroundings. A current user told us, “I do not see images as if I were sighted, but if I look at a soccer ball I feel a round solid disk on my tongue. The stimulation on the tongue works very much like pixels on a visual screen”.
  • Will it work for me?
    The technology works best for individuals who have no useful vision (light perception or no light perception), have already completed traditional blind rehabilitation programs, and are committed to training and practice. Individuals with medical electrical implants or oral health issues should consult a physician prior to BrainPort Vision Pro use.
  • What does stimulation feel like on my tongue?
    Electrical stimulation can best be described as sparkling water or vibrations on the tongue. You control the strength of the signal to maintain a comfortable sensation.
  • Tell me about the complete training program.
    A typical training course is 10 hours, spread over a 3-day period, with a certified instructor. The training sessions consist of a series of exercises to help the user understand the information they are feeling on their tongue. Currently, the BrainPort Vision Pro device is only available in China. We are working on reintroducing the device into the USA and EU in late 2022.
  • What is included with the BrainPort Vision Pro?
    BrainPort Vision Pro package includes the headset with integral video camera, padded carrying case, 2 rechargeable lithium batteries, battery charger, and user manual.
  • What is the warranty?
    The BrainPort Vision Pro comes with a full two (2) year warranty. If there is a problem with the device, simply contact our Service Team and we will repair or replace the device.
  • How do I clean the IOD?
    We recommend that you clean the Intra Oral Device (IOD or tongue array), once per week using one of the cleansers listed below. Following cleaning, thoroughly rinse the IOD with tap water to remove any residual cleanser and allow to air-dry. The cleansers listed below have been tested and shown to be compatible with the materials used in the IOD. Read the BrainPort Vision Pro Instructions for Use, included with each device for more information regarding cleaning your device. Approved Cleansers: 70% isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol) 70% ethyl alcohol (ethanol)

Careers

Wicab, Inc. is developing pioneering technology and devices to help people with disabilities and health problems live a better life. We attract the best people and create a vital and progressive environment in which they work.

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Current available openings are:

There are no current job openings.  Check back periodically for any changes! 

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