A Hand of Its Own: Influencer Tests Open Bionics’ Latest Prosthetic Innovation
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Open Bionics has launched the Hero PRO and Hero RGD, advanced prosthetic hands that are wireless, waterproof, and twice as fast as competitors. Developed over four years with feedback from more than 1,000 Hero Arm users—including influencer Tilly Lockey—the EMG electrode-powered devices feature 360-degree wrist rotation, detachable bionic hand control, and a rugged, multi-grip prosthetic design for tough environments. These FDA-approved devices are covered by Medicare and Medicaid.
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For nearly 10 years, 19-year-old influencer Tilly Lockey has been more than just a prosthetic user; she has been a co-designer, tester, and advocate for advanced bionic limbs. Since being fitted with Open Bionics’ original Hero Arm as a child, her feedback has influenced each new generation of prosthetic arms, leading to the launch of two new bionic hands this year: the Hero PRO and Hero RGD.
After investing $2.5 million and four years into research and development, the British robotics firm introduced the Hero PRO (designed for daily life) and the Hero RGD (a “rugged” model for tough environments). These bionic hands are twice as fast as other leading options and are the only fully wireless, waterproof bionic arms available worldwide.
Tilly Lockey’s Role
After losing both hands to meningitis, Lockey has worn two Hero Arms for nine years. But for the new arms, she didn’t just wear them; she actively contributed to their development. For over four years, Lockey provided ongoing feedback on the Hero PRO, helping engineers improve usability features, like waterproofing, speed, wrist rotation, and detachment mechanics.
In a demonstration covered by Reuters, Lockey emphasized the Hero PRO’s most advanced feature, stating that she could detach her bionic hand, have it move across a table, and return to her, all while controlling it wirelessly from her socket. She compared it to a separate hand carrying out its own missions.
Additionally, Lockey mentioned that the Hero PRO significantly enhances her strength, allowing for 360-degree wrist rotation and flexing, which no other prosthetic arm can do. She highlighted that it is wireless, waterproof, faster than competitors, and still the lightest bionic hand.
The Hero Arm uses wireless EMG electrodes called MyoPods, which are placed on a person’s residual limb to detect muscle signals that control the bionic fingers.
Open Bionics Celebrates 10 Years
In the past 10 years, Open Bionics has reached over 1,000 users. It marked its 10th anniversary with the launch of the Hero PRO and Hero RGD.
The company runs six specialized clinical centers for upper limb amputees, with plans to open six additional sites this year.
All devices from Open Bionics are fully customized, comply with medical regulations, and are approved by regulatory agencies like the FDA. They are also PDAC approved and covered by various reimbursement programs, including Medicare and Medicaid.
User-Centered Design: Open Bionics Hero PRO and RGD
The launch of the Hero PRO and Hero RGD represents more than just the introduction of advanced technology; it underscores the significance of user-centered design. Prioritizing the user experience, as demonstrated by Open Bionics in their collaboration with Lockey, is essential for developing prosthetics that not only enhance functionality but also reduce the likelihood of prosthetic abandonment.
By incorporating Lockey’s feedback, the team has successfully created bionic hands that are not only state-of-the-art but also truly human-centered and transformative in improving users’ lives.
Related Reading:
Brain-Controlled Bionic Limbs Are Almost Here
New MIT Bionics Center is Key to Better Future Prosthetic Limbs
11-Year-Old ‘Star Wars’ Fan Receives R2-D2 Bionic Arm
