9/28/2019 Ryann Monahan, ECE ILLINOIS
Written by Ryann Monahan, ECE ILLINOIS
Millions of hand amputees around the world are now closer to receiving a life changing, prosthetic device- a bionic hand capable of multitouch feedback. ECE alumnus and founder of PSYONIC, Aadeel Akhtar (MS ’16), has launched the long-awaited Ability Hand™ increasing access to the device for countless people with hand amputations. It is now the first commercially available bionic hand of its kind.
“Over the last 5 years, we’ve spoken with hundreds of clinicians and people with upper limb amputations,” said Aadeel Akhtar, Ph.D., CEO, and founder of PSYONIC. “From those interviews, we identified a clear market need: an affordable, robust prosthetic hand that can provide useful sensory feedback to handle delicate objects without breaking them. At PSYONIC, we believe that everyone should have access to the best available prosthetic devices.”
The Ability Hand is the first commercially available bionic hand capable of multitouch feedback. In addition, the hand is lightweight coming in small (50th percentile female) and large (50th percentile male) sizes. The hand boasts a patented durable finger design that can withstand impacts. It is also waterproof and USB-C rechargeable.
The Ability Hand will be available initially as a limited release in Illinois, Indiana, and Missouri, followed by a nationwide release in 2020. Several Ability Hand options available for users, including both right and left, as well as two size options of small and large. Certified and licensed prosthetists may purchase the Ability Hand by contacting sales@psyonic.co. There are five suggested L-codes available for the Ability Hand. For specific technical information about the Ability Hand please visit our frequently asked questions or see our Clinician Guide on our newly updated PSYONIC website.
The first users of the Ability Hand are in the process of fittings at David Rotter Prosthetics in Joliet, IL and at Allcare Orthotics and Prosthetics Services in Rochelle Park, NJ. These users have been a part of the development phase as their feedback and input has greatly shaped the features we are releasing and plan to develop in the future. Retired Sgt. Garrett Anderson of Gifford, has been a test user of five years and will be with the team at AOPA in San Diego for the official launch of the Ability Hand in the prosthetic and orthotic field.
PSYONIC, an advanced prosthetic device company headquartered in Champaign, Illinois, has launched the product at the American Orthotic & Prosthetic Association (AOPA) National Assembly held September 25 – 28, 2019 in San Diego, California. AOPA 2019 is the premier meeting for orthotic, prosthetic, and pedorthic professionals. PSYONIC’s Ability Hand is an affordable and accessible prosthesis with unique bionic capabilities.
About PSYONIC
SOURCE: PSYONIC News Release