Medigus' micro ScoutCam(TM) 1.2 Used by NASA for the First Time in Space During Robotic Refueling Mission

World's smallest camera makes its biggest debut in the Universe


OMER, Israel, July 20, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Medigus Ltd. (Nasdaq: MDGS) (TASE: MDGS), a medical device company developing minimally invasive endosurgical tools and a leader in direct visualization technologies, announced today that the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has successfully used Medigus' micro ScoutCam(TM) 1.2, the world's smallest camera, for the first time in space as part of NASA's Visual Inspection Poseable Invertebrate Robot (VIPIR) tool. VIPIR is a robotic, multi-capability inspection tool that is being tested as part of the Robotic Refueling Mission, an experiment on the International Space Station that has been demonstrating tools, technologies and techniques for on-orbit satellite servicing since 2011. micro ScoutCam(TM) 1.2, at a mere 1.2mm diameter in size, is being utilized as the borescope camera on VIPIR.

As part of the second phase of NASA's Robotic Refueling Mission, VIPIR, incorporating micro ScoutCam(TM) 1.2 at the end of a deployable video borescope, was used in May 2015 to demonstrate various camera inspection capabilities for NASA in space. VIPIR was launched to the International Space Station in July 2014 on board the European Space Agency's Automated Transfer Vehicle 5.

"Partnering with NASA has been a tremendous experience and we are extremely proud that our innovative micro ScoutCam(TM) technology has helped NASA successfully execute this phase of their Robotic Refueling Mission," said Chris Rowland, Chief Executive Officer, Medigus.

micro ScoutCam(TM) 1.2's versatility is supported by key features including its miniature size, remarkable image quality, state of the art customizable optics, waterproof materials, and its adaptability in extreme temperatures. It can be tailored for both medical and industrial applications.

"NASA is steadily maturing a set of robotic technologies that could help prolong the lives of satellites on orbit, thereby providing new capabilities for the Agency," said Benjamin Reed, deputy project manager of NASA's Satellite Servicing Capabilities Office. "Medigus' micro ScoutCam(TM) 1.2 met the requirements for VIPIR's borescope camera, and contributed towards our successful Robotic Refueling Mission operations." 

"The entire process of working with NASA's talented team to tailor our micro ScoutCam(TM) technology to their specifications, to the result of micro ScoutCam(TM) 1.2's first use in space, has been both exciting and rewarding," said Yaron Silberman, VP Sales and Marketing, Medigus. "It is an accomplishment that truly showcases the camera's versatility and range of possible applications."

Watch a NASA video of VIPIR operations on orbit: https://youtu.be/O9bmZJATnJs.

NASA's Visual Inspection Poseable Invertebrate Robot (VIPIR) is an inspection tool that includes a video borescope camera (bottom center of tool).

The VIPIR borescope camera successfully captured imagery as it worked its way through an obstacle course on an RRM task board.

The VIPIR video borescope, visible on orbit during RRM operations on the International Space Station. The red arrow points to the borescope camera.

About Medigus

Medigus is a medical device company specializing in developing minimally invasive endosurgical tools and highly innovative imaging solutions. Medigus is a pioneer developer of a unique proprietary endoscopic device, the MUSE(TM) system, to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), one of the most common chronic diseases in the western world. As an expert in micro-endoscopic devices, Medigus has developed a range of micro CMOS (complementary metal-oxide semiconductor) and CCD (charge-coupled device) video cameras, including micro ScoutCam(TM) 1.2, which the company believes is the smallest in the world. These innovative cameras are suitable for both medical and industrial applications. The MUSE system incorporates Medigus' revolutionary micro ScoutCam technology. Based on its proprietary technologies, Medigus designs and manufactures endoscopy and micro camera systems for partner companies, including major players in the medical and industrial fields. The company is committed to providing integrated solutions to meet all of its customer's imaging needs. Medigus is traded on the Nasdaq Capital Market and the TASE (Tel-Aviv Stock Exchange). To learn more about the company's advanced technology, please visit www.medigus.com or www.microscoutcam.com.

About micro ScoutCam(TM) 1.2

Medigus has developed a revolutionary 1.2mm-diameter CMOS (complementary metal-oxide semiconductor) camera - which to the best of the company's knowledge, is the smallest video camera in the world. This innovative camera is suitable for both medical and industrial applications. Centered around an advanced technology platform, micro ScoutCam(TM) 1.2 and Medigus' related endoscopic technologies have already been implemented in the following medical fields: Gastroenterology, Bronchoscopy, Cardiovascular, ENT, Urology, Gynecology, General Surgery, Orthopedics, Dental and NOTES (Natural Orifice Trans-luminal Endoscopic Surgery). The cameras are also in use at leading industrial companies in a variety of applications such as remote non-destructive testing (NDT), micro drilling inspection, cavities inspection, tube inspection and robotics.

About the micro ScoutCam(TM) Portfolio

As an expert in micro-endoscopic devices, Medigus developed the micro ScoutCam(TM) portfolio, which consists of a variety of micro CMOS and CCD video cameras, and includes micro ScoutCam(TM) 1.2, which to the best of the company's knowledge, is the smallest in the world. micro ScoutCam technology features optic and illumination solutions, micro sensors and high-end DSP video processors that can be tailored for both medical and industrial applications. Customization and seamless integration is at the forefront of the micro ScoutCam portfolio's design. All micro ScoutCam cameras are manufactured at Medigus' facilities, in a controlled environment, ISO 7 per the ISO 14644-1 Standard and 9001 for Quality Management System.

About The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)

NASA's missions, programs and projects are ensuring the United States will remain the world's leader in space exploration and scientific discovery for years to come, while making critical advances in aerospace, technology development and aeronautics.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This press release may contain statements that are "Forward-Looking Statements," which are based upon the current estimates, assumptions and expectations of the company's management and its knowledge of the relevant market. The company has tried, where possible, to identify such information and statements by using words such as "anticipate," "believe," "envision," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "may," "plan," "predict," "project," "target," "potential," "will," "would," "could," "should," "continue," "contemplate" and other similar expressions and derivations thereof in connection with any discussion of future events, trends or prospects or future operating or financial performance, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words.  By their nature, Forward-Looking Statements involve uncertainties which may cause future results of the company's activity to differ significantly from the content and implications of such statements. Among the factors which may cause the actual results to differ from the Forward-Looking Statements are changes in the target market and the introduction of competitive products, regulatory, legislative and policy changes, and clinical results. Forward-Looking Statements are pertinent only as of the date on which they are made, and the company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any Forward-Looking Statements, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise. Neither the company nor its shareholders, officers and employees, shall be liable for any action and the results of any action taken by any person based on the information contained herein, including without limitation the purchase or sale of company securities. Nothing in this press release should be deemed to be medical or other advice of any kind.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Chantal Beaudry/Carrie Yamond
Lazar Partners Ltd.
212-867-1762
cbeaudry@lazarpartners.com
cyamond@lazarpartners.com

INVESTOR RELATIONS:
Miri Segal-Scharia
Hayden/ MS-IR LLC
917-607-8654
msegal@ms-ir.com

NASA CONTACT:
Dewayne Washington
NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center
301-286-0040
dewayne.a.washington@nasa.gov

HUG#1940057


Tags