PSYONIC - Advances in Commercial Sensorimotor Bionic Limbs

In this talk

1. 2:50

   Why PSYONIC set out to build a different hand

   Adil traces his interest in prosthetics to meeting a child with a limb difference in Pakistan. He contrasts costly advanced hands, which he says could cost about $100,000, with the limited function of body-powered hooks. He describes PSYONIC’s goal as a fast, light, durable hand that provides touch feedback at a more accessible price.

2. 6:53

   From early prototypes to a clinical product

   The first prototypes were based on an open-source robot arm and were too large or impractical for users. A visit to Ecuador gave Adil’s team a chance to fit an early design for Juan, who regained the ability to pinch after practice with mirror feedback. That experience helped prompt the move from academic research toward commercialization; the Ability Hand later became available clinically and was covered by Medicare.

3. 12:58

   Designing for speed, durability, and everyday use

   The Ability Hand’s five fingers flex and extend, while its thumb rotates; Adil says the fingers close in about 200 milliseconds. Compliant fingers are designed to bend on impact instead of breaking, and the hand weighs roughly 490 to 500 grams. He also describes water resistance, USB-C charging, multiple grips, and examples such as exercise, household tasks, and using a phone.

4. 22:52

   Adding touch and proprioceptive feedback

   Sensors in the fingers detect pressure, and vibration can signal contact and release. Adil also describes research using electrical skin stimulation, with a controller that adjusts current and pulse duration as skin resistance changes. In a study he discusses, skin-stretch feedback let users identify six grip patterns with 88% accuracy after six minutes of training.

5. 37:48

   Extending prosthetics to partial hands

   Adil describes work on a tendon-driven prosthetic finger for partial hand amputations, inspired by a surgeon’s use of medical-grade yachting wire. In cadaver experiments, a tendon attached to the residual finger tendon moved the prosthetic with joint angles and grip strength close to those of the intact finger. He also says the team is exploring similar biomechanics for dogs.