9/26/2019 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. CSL/ECE alumnus and founder of PSYONIC, Aadeel Akhtar, 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.
In 2018, Legendary Pictures released a four-part documentary titled “Make It Work: The Launch”, which featured PSYONIC. The series explores how the power of science, technology, engineering, and math can help to solve real-world problems. During the series, the producers follow Dr. Akhtar as he journeys to Ecuador to meet with an early user of the Ability Hand. The documentary goes on to depict the journey from the concept of the Ability Hand to right before the device entered the market. The documentary is available on Amazon Prime Video and The Roku Channel.
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
PSYONIC is an advanced prosthetic company developing affordable and accessible devices. The Ability Hand is the first product for the company. Founded out of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and grown in partnership with some of the best incubators and accelerators industry, PSYONIC is focused on bringing better prostheses to the market. The team at PSYONIC believes that everyone should have access to the best available prosthetic devices. For more information about PSYONIC visit www.psyonic.co or connect with PSYONIC on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. To request information about the Ability Hand please contact sales@psyonic.co or call 1-888-PSYONIC.
SOURCE: PSYONIC News Release