The Open Bionics Hero Arm
Open Bionics are a bionics company developing affordable, assistive devices that enhance the human body. Current upper limb prostheses exist as hooks, grippers, or expensive bionic hands, but Open Bionics are on a mission to make beautiful bionic limbs more accessible. They have started by introducing the Hero Arm, a stylish multi-grip bionic hand and added a Delta Wasp 2040 Proline to their manufacturing capability as only a Delta machine can print true curves. Open Bionics identified the Wasp Deltas' main advantage over the traditional 'Cartesian machines', apart from the ability to print proper curves, as the taller build volume giving more design freedom to fit user's with longer arms, but Open Bionics are also very pleased with the print quality and speed of prints and the Wasp 2040 Pro, has quickly becoming their preferred way to produce prosthetic arm covers.
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The Hero Arm
The Hero Arm is the world's first medically certified 3D-printed bionic arm, with multi-grip functionality and empowering aesthetics. Engineered and manufactured in Bristol, UK, the Hero Arm is a lightweight and affordable myoelectric prosthesis, available now in the USA, UK and France for below elbow amputee adults and children aged eight and above.
Each Hero Arm is custom-built using 3D printing and 3D scanning technologies. The prosthesis is robust, and the socket is comfortable, adjustable and breathable too, which means it is easy to take on and off while providing the best possible fit.
With the Hero Arm, technology is at your fingertips. Literally. Special sensors within the Hero Arm detect muscle movements, meaning you can effortlessly control your bionic hand with intuitive life-like precision. Also, haptic vibrations, beepers, buttons and lights provide you with intuitive notifications.
Even though the Hero Arm is powered by space grade motors, advanced software and long-lasting batteries, it is lightweight and super sleek. The hand, which comes in three sizes, is the lightest on the market. The Hero Arm feels like part of you. And it’s strong too, able to lift up to 8 kg (17.64 lbs).
Becoming a Hero
At Open Bionics, their aim is to turn children with limb differences into bionic heroes and make science fiction a reality for them. As if cutting-edge bionic arms were not cool enough, Open Bionics are working with Disney to develop a range of Hero Arm covers, starting with designs from the Star Wars, Marvel and Frozen universes. They have also worked with Eidos-Montreal to bring super slick Deus Ex covers for the Hero Arm.
One of the people who became a hero with Open Bionics is Tilly Lockey (seen below). As a baby, 13-year-old Tilly Lockey contracted a deadly form of meningitis called meningococcal septicaemia and had to undergo an operation to have both her hands amputated. Tilly is now thirteen and is the proud owner of two super stylish Hero Arms. Tilly recently received a pair of badass Alita: Battle Angel bionic arms from director James Cameron, and in 2018 she appeared on ITV’s ‘This Time Next Year’ with Davina McCall. “I love the Hero Arm!” says Tilly. “It’s so much fun to use and I’m finding out new things I can do with it every day.”
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The Hero Arm is currently available through prosthetic clinics in the USA, UK, Ireland, France, Spain, Germany, Australia, New Zealand, Belgium, Luxembourg, Netherlands and Russia. You can register your interest on the Open Bionics site here, and they can refer you to your nearest prosthetics clinic.