1st Qtr 2026 Advisory Board Notes

I initiated the meeting with a brief overview of the agenda, focusing on last year's accomplishments and future objectives. including discussions with Greg about weight and center of mass calculations for their prototype. Sheila emphasized the variability in measurements based on physical features of the individual but starting with the Center of Mass  and the weight and the Moment of the Inertia or “tipieness” would be used to understand the physical behavior in all environments.  Ultimately we will use this information to limit the speed that the UPMO can move and the obstructions it will be able to encounter.  

Investment attraction remains a significant challenge due to a tough fundraising environment, prompting me to focus on marketing strategies to engage potential investors and initiate FDA approval processes by 2026.I and Sean Furman discussed the technical aspects of their hospital device, including the importance of stability and safety measures, while also considering the implications of patient weight and staff assistance. The dialogue reinforced the need for thorough calculations and innovative approaches to improve healthcare outcomes.

I will focus on marketing efforts to attract investment for the UPMO throughout 2026. 

Laurie Alberswerth will send notes to me regarding website suggestions. 

Gregg Buswell measured the  maximum weight that the UPMO prototype can lift (500 lbs) at an acceptable speed and an attempt was made to  calculate how many staff members would be required to help that person. This turned out to be a difficult proposition as:

Many hospitals now recognize (legally)

Manual lifting of patients should not exceed ~35 lb of a patient’s weight, even with assistance

This is why many systems have adopted “no-lift” or “minimal-lift” policies.

The is a different reality on the ground

Despite guidelines:

Nurses and aides routinely manage 150–300 lb patients

Often with short staffing and Under time pressure in ADLs and transfers This mismatch is why:

Nursing has some of the highest musculoskeletal injury rates

Back injuries remain a top cause of early career exit. This created a bit of a “rabbit hole” for me this morning and I needed to move on - but I will get back to it.