UCF Business Incubator client to use its Merge technology to improve physical therapy and rehabilitation for amputees
Orlando, Fla. (April 29, 2026) – Over the past few years, the technology used in medicine has improved significantly. From remote patient monitoring to robotic surgery and medical records, the way of practicing medicine is completely different than 10 years ago.
That’s not the case for much of physical therapy, where assessments are visually performed at various milestones and those needing therapy use stairs, stretch bands and treadmills.
M3D Technologies has developed the technology to change that and the company is partnering with the International Institute for Orthotics and Prosthetics in Tampa to showcase how its Merge system can help amputees as they rehabilitate.
“This is a tremendous step for our company as it has been our mission to help amputees as they learn how to live after their injury,” says Matthew Hogan, CEO, M3D Technologies. “Not only does this make rehabilitation more enjoyable, but it also collects data to vastly improve the rehabilitation process.”
The pilot project started in the organization’s master’s degree program in orthotics and prosthetics that it offers in Tampa. It is also being used in the program’s independent mobility clinic.
“It’s truly groundbreaking technology for the field of orthotics and prosthetics,” says Arlene Gillis, founder and CEO, International Institute for Orthotics and Prosthetics. “One thing we do is train our students on creating outcome measures, and the time it saves in creating those measures are going to benefit the students and the patients. They are going to be able to create a new type of rehab to make everyone better.”
M3D Technologies has been developing the technology for several years, with a focus on helping veterans, as Hogan is a service-disabled veteran.
Originally, the technology included virtual reality equipment, haptic gloves and other hardware, but now, the user does not wear any specialized equipment. Sensors strategically measure performance, but the patient only sees the scenario they are working through in their session, like a walk through the woods or playing a sport.
Another interesting aspect of the technology was that it could be used for a wide range of applications beyond medicine. The company is about to launch several other projects as well.
“Success sometimes takes time and finding that perfect fit for any technology,” says Kelly Daubach, site manager of the Downtown Business Incubator, where M3D is located. “It’s been very interesting watching Matthew and his team continually refine their technology and move through every roadblock to get to this point, where we are starting to see Merge used by outside organizations.”
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For more information, the media should contact –
For the UCF Business Incubation Program: Alan Byrd, 407-415-8470, Alan@ByrdConnections.com
About M3D Technologies: M3D TECHNOLOGIES is a Central Florida-based VR/AR design and production group focused on creating innovative and customized simulation and training solutions for the Military, Healthcare, and Commercial Workforces. Our solutions are not one-size-fits-all. M3D TECHNOLOGIES can deliver Virtual, Augmented, and Mixed Reality experience projects that accommodate a range of budgetary and complex requirements. From design to implementation, we ensure a uniquely tailored and unmatched user experience. Our creative & tech teams have a combined 25+ years of experience in visual effects, motion capture, 3D modeling, 3D animation, and development in Virtual/Augmented Reality. Our advisory team contains a diverse mix of experienced industry professionals with military, medical and educational backgrounds. For more information, visit m3dvr.com
About the UCF Business Incubation Program: The University of Central Florida Business Incubation Program is a community resource that provides early-stage companies with the tools, training and infrastructure to become financially stable, high-growth/impact enterprises. Since 1999, this award-winning program has provided vital business development resources resulting in over 300 local startup companies reaching their potential faster and graduating into the community where they continue to grow and positively impact the local economy.
With eight facilities throughout the region, the UCF Business Incubation Program is an economic development partnership between the University of Central Florida, the Corridor, Lake, Orange, Osceola and Seminole Counties, and the cities of Eustis, Kissimmee, Orlando and Winter Springs. In 2023, current incubator clients supported over 1,000 employees and generated over $120 million in revenue. Nineteen companies graduated from the program and remained in the local community. For more information, visit www.incubator.ucf.edu
