Aseptika set to unveil new ‘Always Connected’ POGO hub for self-monitoring health conditions at the Gadget Show
April 7, 2014, Aseptika Limited (Activ8rlives), Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire, UK: The Activ8rlives’ POGO is part of Aseptika’s Always Connected strategy to empower people to self-manage long-term health conditions through self-monitoring various parameters of health at home and while on holiday. The POGO connects to the earphone port of Smartphones and Tablets and transmits data to the web from the Company’s medical devices and wellness gadgets by using proprietary technology developed by the Company. The POGO serves two roles as a “hub”: First, it allows medical devices which only connect by USB to exchange data with the web without the need for a laptop or PC. This greatly reduces the cost and complexity for the user, while making self-monitoring solutions completely mobile for “on-the-go” monitoring. Second, it can also add Bluetooth 4.0 wireless connectivity to Smartphones and Tablets which do not have this capability – a function that is currently only available on high-end and more expensive Smartphones and Tablets. This makes it possible to connect the Company’s second generation of Bluetooth 4.0 device to the web via less expensive cellular products. The Activ8rlives’ POGO was designed, developed and manufactured by the Company in collaboration with a number of UK companies, most of whom are located in Cambridgeshire, in what is becoming a growing trend of “re-shoring” manufacture in the UK. Aseptika’s Founder and MD, Kevin Auton described how this was achieved: “As a Medtech devices and solutions company, we need to move quickly, which means tightly coupling design, development and manufacture of software, firmware, electronics, casework and Cloud-based informatics. Even for a relatively simple product such as the POGO, because it is unique everything had to be developed from a blank sheet to provide the first of a series of solutions we need. Working with local companies, such as RGE Ltd in Huntingdon, who developed our designs into parts which could be injection molded and manufactured at scale and quickly, has enabled us to bring POGO rapidly to market, giving us first mover advantage. RGE worked closely with us to help make our core parts and it is great for us that both companies are located in Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire. You really can’t beat the ability to walk down the road (5,800 steps) and collaborate face-to-face when speed to market is essential.” Colin Ramsay, Technical Account Manager, RGE Group said: “Aseptika’s POGO has been a really interesting project for us. Working with a medical devices company such as Aseptika where the production volume is relatively low compared with our mainstream business, but the quality, precision and delivery has to be to the very highest standards, is an interesting direction for our company and we were delighted that Aseptika chose RGE to develop the tooling and manufacture the product locally rather than overseas. We are seeing a lot of interest from Cambridge-based companies who need rapid tooling, fast turnaround and low volume runs for products that can be CE marked for use in clinical trials with NHS patients and will be looking to expand this capability in the future as we attract local innovators to make their products here in the UK. We are only concerned that working with Aseptika will mean that all employees will be required to walk 10,000 steps a day. Our factory covers 14,000 m2 so fortunately we do a lot of walking during the working day already!” - Ends – Caption: Activ8rlives POGO Hub for Smartphones and Tablets allows the synchronisation of data from Activ8rlives USB medical devices (Peak Flow meter shown in this photograph) to Smartphone via built-in Bluetooth 4.0, even if your Smartphone or Tablet do not have Bluetooth capability. The POGO – stands for Press Once and GO – is inserted into the earphone socket of Smartphones and Tablets. About Aseptika Limited (Activ8rlives) Our strategy is to develop expert information systems which can be used by laypeople and shared with their healthcare service providers, to better self-manage long-term conditions through self-monitoring. Activ8rlives integrates simple monitoring devices that capture an individual’s various health parameters. This information is brought together in the Company’s servers so that it can be viewed to warn of impending ill health and to support them in maintaining wellbeing. This also means that this information is available anywhere and at any time. A natural extension is development of a home-based test predicting flare-ups in chest infections in those who have long-term respiratory conditions, to reduce hospital admissions and improve healthcare. The Company offers a range of health monitors, from step counters through to smart scales, smartphone Food Diary App to peak flow meters and pulse oximeters. The online communities combine empowerment through self-monitoring with the added dynamic of group support and motivation. Groups can be led by laypeople, family, carers or healthcare workers to improve wellbeing and maintain health. Users can track: physical activity, body composition and weight, lung function and cardiovascular health, blood glucose, HbA1c, cholesterol, C-reactive protein, International Normalized Ratio (INR), medication and bacterial infection markers. Custom trackers such as: dress size, training sessions, pool laps per session, runs per week, sleep duration, allergy reactions, mood, fertility, temperature – in fact anything that can be measured – can be created. Activ8rlives is free to use and there are no joining or subscription fees. For more information on Aseptika Ltd and Activ8rlives and products, please visit: www.activ8rlives.com Activ8rlives and Activ8rlives.com are trademarks of Aseptika Ltd. About RGE Engineering RGE Group specialises in precision plastic injection mouldings, tooling and product development engineering. Innovation and quality is at the heart of what we do. With over 45 years’ experience, RGE Group is the home of injection moulding expertise. A family owned company with global experience, we work with you through the product design process to provide a total solution; from component design through to high capacity technical injection mouldings and precision mould tooling manufacture. RGE Group injection moulding, mould tool services and innovation design engineering expertise is used across multiple sectors, including white goods, office furniture, storage containers and technical mouldings for which we are particularly well-known. Plastic and specifically mould injection could be the solution for your business, even if you have not used it before. The environmental impact of injection moulding is considered in all our business decisions and we are committed to minimising pollution through lean manufacturing techniques and continuous improvement. Our lean manufacturing ensures we deliver efficiently and cost-effectively every time. We add additional value by also offering design, printing and assembly services to save you time and money – allowing you to focus on your core business. RGE Group’s head office is based in Cambridgeshire and we operate on a global scale with facilities in the UK, Lithuania, USA, Portugal and China. This gives us the flexibility to work to your specific requirements on low or high volume product design projects with a tailor-made approach.
For press information, please contact: Jessica Auton, Marketing Director, Aseptika Ltd (Activ8rlives) [email protected] Direct +44 (0)1480 352 821 Mobile +44 (0)7455 922 122