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.
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.
Currently, the BrainPort Vision Pro is commercially available in the USA, European Union (CE mark), Chile, Peru, and Hong Kong.
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.
Wicab, Inc. is a ISO 13485-2016 certified medical device company.
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".
Press Releases
Non-Surgical Prescription Vision Aid Cleared by FDA for Use by People Who are Profoundly Blind, Wicab, Inc., June 19, 2015
Wicab Receives Grant from Defense Medical Research Program, Wicab, Inc., October 2010
Wicab, Inc. Granted U.S. Patent for Treatment of Impaired Motor Control or Function, Newswire, May 26, 2020
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.
Current available openings are:
There are no current job openings. Check back periodically for any changes!