In a groundbreaking collaboration, Psyonic, a company specializing in advanced bionic limbs, has partnered with EastPoint Prosthetics & Orthotics and Advanced 3D, Inc, to enhance the lives of amputees around the world. This partnership aims to make cutting-edge prosthetic technology more accessible and affordable.

Psyonic's CEO and founder, Aadeel Akhtar, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration. "We developed advanced bionic limbs that are affordable and accessible for humans and robots," Akhtar said. "Our goal has always been to improve the quality of life for amputees, and working with EastPoint allows us to reach more people in need."

The flagship product, the Ability Hand, integrates seamlessly with the custom-made sockets produced by EastPoint Prosthetics & Orthotics. The Ability Hand is designed to be controlled by the user’s muscles and nerves, providing a high degree of dexterity and functionality.

Annika Berlin, Psyonic's User Experience Specialist, highlighted the practical benefits of the Ability Hand. "This hand connects to a socket made by a prosthetist, like those at EastPoint. The hand is controlled by contracting muscles. I use one set of muscles to open and close my hand, and I can cycle through different grip patterns, like pinch grip for fine motor control or power grip for larger objects," Berlin explained.

Anita Bills, a user of the Ability Hand, shared her personal experience with the device. "I've been without a hand for over 44 years. This prosthetic is extremely light and has made a huge difference. I can now do activities like teaching swimming and boogie boarding without the fatigue and sores I used to experience," Bills said.

Brent Wright, Partner/Designer for Advanced 3D, Inc, emphasized the importance of proper fit and customization in prosthetic devices. "Having a good prosthetist is transformative. The 3D printed sockets we create here in Kinston ensure a perfect fit for each user. This precision makes a significant difference in comfort and functionality," Wright noted.

The collaboration also explores innovative uses of 3D printing technology. "We can print sockets with custom designs and integrate all necessary components, like charging ports and electrodes, directly into the socket. This not only improves the aesthetic but also enhances the functionality and comfort of the prosthetics," Wright added.

Psyonic’s technology has garnered attention beyond the medical field. The Ability Hand is being used by NASA on its humanoid astronaut robot, Valkyrie. "One of my favorite moments was seeing our hand used by both humans and robots, highlighting the versatility and advanced capabilities of our design," Akhtar remarked.

The partnership between Psyonic and EastPoint Prosthetics & Orthotics is set to revolutionize the prosthetics field, making advanced bionic limbs more accessible and improving the quality of life for many amputees.