Open Bionics

Open Bionics is a UK-based medical device company specializing in affordable, 3D-printed prosthetic arms for below-elbow amputees. The firm was founded in Bristol, UK, in 2014 by Joel Gibbard MBE and Samantha Payne MBE. Gibbard's journey began at age 17, tinkering with robotic hands, which evolved into the Open Hand project at the University of Plymouth, focusing on creating prostheses using 3D printing. Payne, then a technology journalist, interviewed Gibbard and, sharing a vision for social impact, they co-founded the company. Both founders were awarded MBEs in 2020 for their services to innovation, engineering, and technology. The company’s mission is to democratize the prosthetics industry, which has historically been characterized by high costs that make advanced bionic hands inaccessible for the majority of amputees. Open Bionics utilizes 3D scanning to create a custom-fit socket and 3D printing to manufacture the arm, significantly reducing production time and cost. The company’s flagship product, the Hero Arm, is a myoelectric prosthesis that detects muscle movements to provide intuitive control. Key features include multiple grip modes, a 180-degree rotating wrist, a lightweight design, and customizable, magnetically attached covers. A key differentiator is aesthetics; rather than mimicking a human hand, the design is a bold feature, further enhanced by royalty-free licensing partnerships with Disney, Marvel, and Lucasfilm for superhero-themed covers. Open Bionics operates on a dual business model, selling its products to private and public clinics in the UK, Europe, and the USA, as well as providing direct clinical services. Its Hero Arm is reimbursed by national healthcare systems, including the UK's NHS and the USA's Medicare, making it a uniquely accessible option. The company has secured over £10 million through various funding rounds and grants, including a significant $5.9 million Series A round in 2019 led by investors like Foresight Williams Technology EIS Fund. After establishing a strong presence in the UK and Europe, Open Bionics expanded its clinical presence to several major cities across the United States in late 2023. Keywords: bionic arms, prosthetics, assistive devices, 3D printed prosthetics, myoelectric prosthesis, Hero Arm, limb difference, amputee technology, medical devices, accessible technology, robotics, 3D scanning, custom prosthetics, pediatric prosthetics, wearable technology, healthcare innovation, social impact technology, biomedical engineering, advanced manufacturing, superhero prosthetics, bionics, medtech, assistive technology, upper limb prosthetics, digital health