Media Release

Bionic legs could be the future for Junior High Students in SAIT Robotics program
French bionics company showcases new technology at local school

Calgary, AB – May 21, 2004: Quebec based Victhom Human Bionics (Victhom) will showcase their new innovative bionic leg technology to Grades 6, 7 and 8 students in Calgary French & International School’s (CFIS) SAIT Robotics program on Tuesday, June 1, 2004.

This special visit will provide students an opportunity to see where their robotics studies at SAIT could take them in the near future. “This is a great educational opportunity for our students,” says Darren Forrester, CFIS Principal. “This exposure to leading edge technology gives students the chance to actually see that our unique SAIT partnered Robotics Program offers them the tools necessary to create innovative inventions similar to Victhom Human Bionics. With the additional benefit of the experience being presented in French, it adds even more relevance to our overall program.”

The technology and product developed by Victhom under the management of Mr. Stéphane Bedard, was envisioned for the necessity and potential he saw in how bionic devices could help amputees by creating a bi-directional interaction between their bodies and their prosthesis.

“It’s an inspiring story for the students in a French Immersion environment to learn that one person’s idea can lead to an invention that means so much to people,” say Forrester. “Students can relate to the researchers because of their experience with SAIT’s robotic program and we hope we can forge a bond between the East and West where a bilingual educational partnership can be developed.”

Victhom’s visit to the school was enabled by the partnership between the School, the research company, and the Running Room in their support of CFIS’s The Madame Lorraine Memorial Fun Run on Saturday, June 5 at North Glenmore Park. “We’re extremely glad that Victhom came on board at this precise time since not only are our students developing their own robotics projects, but the company supports the idea of health and wellness and improving the quality of life for people,” say Katrina Bradley, CFIS Fund Development Coordinator.

The Robotics Morning at CFIS will start at 9:00am – 12:00pm and will showcase a French presentation by Victhom featuring their bionic leg at 9:15am followed by questions from students and media. After the presentation, booths featuring student projects and SAIT Robotics will be available for display.
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Media inquiries may be directed to:

Darren Forrester
Principal, Calgary French & International School
(403) 240-1500
d.forrester@cfs.calgary.ab.ca