Changing the Environment

Open Bionics

Samantha Payne, Joel Gibbard

Facts

Founded:

2014

HQ:

Bristol Robotics Laboratory, University of the West of England, Frenchay Campus, Coldharbour Ln, Bristol BS16 1QY

Open Bionics creates custom prosthetic bio-electronic limbs for amputees at a low price point – around $3,000 rather than $100,000 for a typical high-functioning prosthesis. This cost reduction has been achieved through the use of 3D printing. Last summer, Open Bionics won a place on the Disney Accelerator programme run by TechStars and gained licences to create Disney, Star Wars and Marvel-themed bionic hands for children. The company also won several grants and engineering awards – including the James Dyson Award.

Click photo to launch slideshow

Photographer: Ben McMahon | Words: Olivia Solon | Editor: Nate Lanxon