TELFORD, PA — Dräger’s latest generation of Polaris surgical lights has earned one of the world’s highest design honors — the Red Dot: Best of the Best Award for 2025 — recognizing its excellence in both medical performance and product design.
The Polaris series, introduced to the U.S. market in spring 2025, was recognized in the Medical Devices and Technology category for combining advanced illumination technology with intuitive operation and ergonomic design. The international Red Dot jury described Polaris as “highly functional medical technology with sophisticated, user-centered design,” noting its precision, adaptability, and modern aesthetic.
Manufactured by Drägerwerk AG & Co. KGaA, the Polaris line includes three models — Comfort, Pro, and Pro+ — to meet varying clinical and budgetary needs. Each features high-intensity, uniform illumination and customizable light settings designed to improve visibility and efficiency in surgical environments. The lights also offer a range of field-upgradable options, including 4K in-light cameras and video integration systems.
For surgeons and operating room staff, usability was a key design focus. The system features touchscreen controls with “stepless” sliders and up to 30 programmable presets, allowing for quick adjustments during procedures. The lights’ rounded edges and smooth surfaces simplify cleaning, while built-in features such as 3D shadow compensation and modular adaptability enhance performance and workflow.
“We are delighted to have received this top award in the Red Dot Product Design competition,” said Tobias Kruse, Product Manager at Dräger. “With the Polaris, we have created an innovative design solution that impresses with its exceptionally simple and intuitive handling. It can become a defining element in the operating room.”
A Global Recognition of Design and Innovation
The Red Dot Design Award, established in 1955, is among the world’s most prestigious honors in industrial and product design. The 2025 jury — composed of 43 international experts from 21 countries — reviewed entries from more than 60 nations, evaluating products for functionality, usability, sustainability, and aesthetic innovation. Only a select few receive the “Best of the Best” distinction.
Potential Impact in the Region
For southeastern Pennsylvania — home to a growing network of medical device manufacturers and hospital systems — Dräger’s award represents both a regional and industry milestone. The company’s Telford facility plays a central role in serving U.S. healthcare providers, particularly in the fields of surgery, critical care, and patient monitoring.
Recognition from the Red Dot jury not only enhances Dräger’s global brand credibility but also reinforces the region’s reputation as a hub for advanced medical technology. As hospitals increasingly invest in equipment that balances performance with ergonomics and design efficiency, innovations like the Polaris system are poised to influence next-generation operating room standards across the Mid-Atlantic and beyond.
For patients and healthcare professionals alike, the Polaris series demonstrates how thoughtful engineering — grounded in usability and precision — can help improve surgical outcomes and redefine the look and function of the modern operating room.
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