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My kindergartener recently asked if my wrist hurt from the repeated buzzing of my smartwatch. Admittedly, I hadn’t noticed the number of alerts that had come through. Between notifications of calls, texts and emails and reminders to move and even relax, so much of my behaviors and habits — and I suspect some of yours — are connected through a device just a few millimeters in size. It’s certainly not a life I would have predicted when I was five years old.
The March issue of BONEZONE is packed with a look at new and emerging technologies in orthopedics — from sports medicine to surgical infections — that have taken decades to dream up and develop. It also explores the personalization of orthopedic devices and our interconnected and automated world through the adoption of Industry 4.0.
“Ultimately, the question of Industry 4.0 is not if, but when,” said Jeff Richardson, Industry Solution Director at Critical Manufacturing. “While it may seem like a strange new world with many challenges to overcome, the benefits are attainable and, arguably, essential for orthopedic device manufacturers to meet increasing and changing demands in the marketplace.”
In our article starting on page 40, Mr. Richardson advises on best practices for implementing aspects of Industry 4.0 as rapidly changing technology increasingly blurs the lines between physical and digital worlds.
In outlining the editorial for this issue, we considered blending our worlds — the print edition of BONEZONE and our in-person conference OMTEC®. which returns in June. Much of the OMTEC education agenda goes deeper into the technology and products discussed within these pages. Topics include patient-specific implants, additive manufacturing, artificial intelligence and software as a medical device, augmented reality and new biomaterials.
Of course, the success of such technologies within a company is fostered through a culture with a keen vision and the right people. In the March issue, we discuss transformational leadership — a style that permeates beyond one’s actions to shape a healthy company culture.
We also dipped into the archives for lessons on how to retain your best employees. How to build high-performing teams, effectively communicate, and continuously drive improvement in your culture are also on the OMTEC agenda.
OMTEC will pay homage to the true connectedness among the development of the people, places and processes and the advancement of orthopedic technologies today and tomorrow.
While we’ve stayed connected to you, our readers, through the print issue and emails and Zoom calls over the last two years, we’re ecstatic to move beyond the alerts and virtual world and welcome you in person at OMTEC.
