REX BIONICS Rex Bionics is the pioneer of the ‘REX’ that provides robotic standing, walking and exercise support for wheelchair users. It was founded by two British engineers with first-hand experience of the needs of wheelchair users. The product is suitable for people who have suffered a spinal cord injury, stroke or other traumatic brain injury as well as for people with multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy and cerebral palsy. 40 Annual Directory 2017 The company is working with physiotherapists to develop the concept and practice of robot-assisted physiotherapy (RAP) as well as offer REX P for home use to enable customers to walk and stand with their hands free and thereby gain more work and recreation options. As wheelchair users are at risk of developing numerous medical complications from extended periods of sitting, REX enables them to spend more time standing, walking and exercising, which could offer significant health benefits including improved sleep, maintenance of joint range and reduction in spasm, pain, common abdominal problems and prescription drug usage. Rex Bionics’ vision is that of REX providing thousands of people around the world with relief and cure from the pain, discomfort and inconvenience caused by neurological accidents and illnesses. RINNAI Rinnai headquarters in Auckland are characterised by a family oriented atmosphere. the 10,000sqm site houses everything from the product development room, paintshop and fabrication space to the assembly line, storage area, warehouse, staff offices, training room and retail showroom. In the product development room, otherwise known as ‘The Love Shack’, whiteboards with diagrams and a plethora of post-it notes give a good idea of the brainstorming and process that goes into the development and evolution of each product. “Each cross departmental new product development team now includes members from marketing and research and development who get out on the road and talk to customers,” says marketing manager Kathryn Geck. “From concept to design, prototyping and mass production—key to it all is understanding the end user’s needs and desires.” This focus on design and innovation led to Rinnai receiving a Callaghan Innovation growth grant. The Neo gas fireplace is a prime example, combining simple installation with efficiency and customer-friendly functionality. It earned Rinnai a second ROCKET LAB Rocket Lab’s mission is to remove the barriers to commercial space. Its ‘Electron Program’ was founded on the belief that small payloads require dedicated small launch vehicles and flexibility not currently offered by traditional rocket systems. Electron takes this philosophy to its ultimate conclusion: frequent and affordable launches for the small satellite market to enable the growth and efficiency of these technologies. Powered by the small fast and agile Rutherford engine, Electron can rapidly deliver small satellites to dedicated, commercial orbits at world-first frequency. The small satellites launched on an Electron rocket are used for a wide variety of imaging and communications technology such as optimised crop monitoring, improved weather reporting, internet from space, natural disaster prediction, up-to-date maritime data and search and rescue services. Since its creation in 2006 by Peter Beck, Rocket Lab has delivered a range of complete rocket systems and technologies. As a US corporation with a New Zealand subsidiary, the company has complete vertical integration over the launch process from rocket manufacturing through to its own commercial launch range. Privately funded, the company has major investors including Khosla Ventures, K1W1, Bessemer Venture Partners and Lockheed Martin. Customers who recently signed to fly award for ‘best effect’ at the New Zealand Best Awards two years ago. Recently, as part of its 'Flames & Frames' project, Rinnai introduced optional mirrored side panels to some of its gas fire products, providing an extended flame picture. New digital innovations include a revamped website that includes a blog and architects portal with CAD and BIM files. on ‘Electron’ vehicles include NASA, Moon Express, Spire and Planet. BEST OF THE BEST
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