iRhythm designed its latest Zio patch with an asymmetrical adhesion surface. [Photo courtesy of iRhythm]
The PCBA components are for the Zio monitor, the prescription-only electrocardiogram (ECG) monitor that the device developer launched last year. Until now, the Zio monitor was assembled and tested manually.
The new automation technology will help the company ramp up manufacturing for the U.S. and foreign markets, with iRhythm President and CEO Quentin Blackford saying it “will significantly enhance our operational efficiency and capacity.”
“This advanced technology allows us to serve more patients globally at a reduced cost and paves the way for our next phase of growth and innovation,” he said in a news release.
The new technology “automates the functional testing of PCBAs, handles their movement to and from test fixtures, and efficiently separates passed and failed units, streamlining the manufacturing process and enhancing overall efficiency,” the company said.
“As the company anticipates that the new Zio monitor will serve as the foundational hardware platform for future technology iterations — including the next generation mobile cardiac telemetry (MCT) product — automation will be crucial in keeping pace with the projected global demand for its Zio ECG monitoring products,” iRhythm said. “The company anticipates that all phases of planned manufacturing improvements will enable capacity production of up to 10 million units annually.”
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