A Short History of Barrett Technology
From partnerships with NASA to grants with the NIH, Barrett has come far from the very first WAM arm. Today, Barrett carries multiple advanced robotics products (including the WAM arm) and has expanded into the medical space, creating Burt, an upper-extremity robotic trainer for occupational therapy clinics. Throughout all of its products – and all of its history – Barrett focuses on constant improvement, effective partnership, and collaboration. This history has paved the way for Barrett to become the leader in robotic Occupational Therapy.
Our Timeline
Bill Townsend’s WAM arm was Barrett’s first product on the market in 1990. Here’s a quick history of its first 10 years.
1990: WAM makes first sale
1993: BarrettHand created with Johnson Space Center
1998: MAKO Surgical buys WAM licenses for its Surgical Robot
2000: Cited as “Most Advanced Robotic Arm” by Guinness World Records
The mentality of these early years at Barrett are still present today. With under 50 employees, Barrett’s small company atmosphere is present right when you walk in the front door. A four-person sales team (all of whom are occupational therapists) makes the customer-facing part of our company feel comfortable and understanding. Finally, health and medicine has remained a part of Barrett since the MAKO Surgical device in 1998.
Partnerships
Partnerships have been integral to Barrett Medical's success, driving its evolution from an industrial robotics company to a leading provider of robotic therapy solutions for occupational therapy. These collaborations have not only expanded Barrett's knowledge base but also enhanced its ability to innovate and develop products tailored to the needs of therapists and patients.
Here’s a few specific ways our partnerships have driven our success.
Access to Expertise: Collaborations with research institutions like the NIH and healthcare organizations like Spaulding Rehab have provided Barrett with access to a wealth of expertise in areas such as robotics, rehabilitation, and occupational therapy.
Insights from Occupational Therapists: Input from occupational therapists and rehabilitation experts has been invaluable in informing the design and development of Barrett's robotic therapy solutions. Our sales, marketing, and leadership teams are heavily composed of therapists!
Innovation Acceleration: Successful partnerships have accelerated Barrett's innovation efforts, allowing the company to stay at the forefront of technological advancements in the field of robotic therapy. Grants have provided some funding, and our research model encourages investigation into new fields.
Clinical Impact
Clinical impact sits at the forefront of Barrett's goals. Here are a few ways we’ve taken that into our work as engineers at Barrett.
Enhanced Therapy Outcomes: Barrett's solutions facilitate more efficient and effective therapy sessions, leading to improved outcomes for patients.
Improved Motor Function and Independence: Patients experience tangible improvements in their ability levels, empowering them to perform IADLs with ease.
Personalized and Effective Therapy Interventions: Barrett's devices enable therapists to deliver personalized and tailored therapy interventions, optimizing the rehabilitation process for each individual.
Ultimately, Barrett's devices contribute to a better quality of life for patients undergoing occupational therapy, enabling them to regain functionality, independence, and confidence in their daily lives. Barrett Medical is a standout leader and innovator in robotic therapy for occupational therapy. With a history of technological progress, regulatory clearances, and commercial success, Barrett is a trusted name in the industry. Their ongoing dedication to innovation and addressing the changing needs of therapists and patients solidifies their position as a frontrunner. As Barrett continues to innovate, it remains at the forefront of advancing robotic therapy, positively impacting rehabilitation practices globally.