Open Bionics

Open Bionics is a company from the United Kingdom that makes special robotic arms for people who have lost part of their arm below the elbow. These arms are made using a technology called 3D printing, which helps make them more affordable.

Their bionic arms are very smart and can do many things. They have lights and vibrations to help the user know what the arm is doing. The arms can grab, pinch, give a high-five, fist bump, and show a thumbs-up. This helps users do everyday tasks more easily and feel more connected with others.

The company started in 2014 by Joel Gibbard and Samantha Payne. They work in a place called Future Space, which is also home to the Bristol Robotics Laboratory. In 2020, Joel and Samantha were honored for their important work in innovation, engineering, and technology. Their bionic arms have helped many people by giving them new ways to interact with the world.

History

Open Bionics began with an idea by Joel Gibbard. He studied robotics at the University of Plymouth. He wanted to use 3D printing to create hand prostheses. With the help of reporter Samantha Payne, he started the company in 2014.

In 2018, they were named the Hottest Startup Founders in Europe. By late 2023, Open Bionics had grown and was available in several cities in the United States, such as Denver, Los Angeles, Orlando, Austin, Chicago, and New York City.

Products

The first product made by Open Bionics was called the Hero Arm. It was special because it was affordable and showed off its bionic look. Each arm is made using 3D printing to fit the user perfectly, and sensors help control the fingers.

In 2025, Open Bionics introduced new versions of the Hero Arm, including the Hero Pro and Hero RGD. These new models can be used even when taken off, and they are wireless and waterproof.

Partnerships

In 2015, Disney worked with Open Bionics to make special superhero bionic arms for children who need them. That year, the company won the James Dyson Award for its clever designs and also got Tech4Good's Accessibility Award. In 2016, it received a Bloomberg Business Innovators award.

In 2019, filmmaker James Cameron and 20th Century Fox gave a special bionic arm to a child for the premiere of the movie Alita: Battle Angel. In 2020, Open Bionics teamed up with gaming company Konami to create fun bionic arm covers inspired by a video game character.

Funding

In January 2019, Open Bionics got $5.9 million to help make their special bionic arms. Big groups like Foresight Williams Technology EIS Fund, Ananda Impact Ventures, and Downing Ventures gave the money. People from F1's Williams Advanced Engineering Group also helped. This money let the company keep working on their new arms.