PSYONIC Ability Hand
Overview
| Item | Spec |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | PSYONIC (San Diego, California) |
| Founder | Aadeel Akhtar, PhD (Neuroscience/Electrical Engineering) |
| Year Founded | 2015 |
| Weight | 490g (below average adult hand weight) |
| Grip Strength | 66N (14.8 lbs) |
| Finger Closure Time | 0.2 seconds (2x faster than competitors) |
| Battery | 2200mAh LiPo |
| Charging | USB-C, approximately 1 hour for full charge |
| IP Rating | IP64 (dust/splash protection) |
| Grip Patterns | 32 (19 pre-defined) |
| Construction | Carbon fiber case + 6 motors |
Key Significance
The first commercial bionic hand with multi-touch sensing capability 12
PSYONIC Ability Hand is a prosthetic that commercialized multi-touch sensing functionality 12, an innovative product that allows users to actually “feel” when grasping objects. While traditional prosthetics only provided mechanical movement, Ability Hand delivers tactile information to users through pressure sensors on fingertips and haptic vibration feedback.
PSYONIC’s official website and IEEE Spectrum introduce it as “world’s first touch-sensing bionic hand”.
Founding Background
Founder Dr. Aadeel Akhtar was inspired by an experience at age 7 when he met a girl in Pakistan who had lost her leg and was using a tree branch as a crutch. 3 This experience led him to study neural engineering and develop a mission to create affordable, advanced prosthetics accessible to everyone.
The first prototype was tested in Ecuador in 2014, and when fitted to Juan Suquillo, a former soldier who lost his hand in a landmine explosion in 1989, he said “part of me has returned.”
Technical Innovations
1. Multi-Touch Sensing System
- Pressure Sensors: Built-in pressure sensors in thumb, index, and pinky fingers
- Haptic Feedback: Conveys pressure information through vibration upon object contact
- Contact Reflex: Automatic stop upon detecting object contact to prevent damage to delicate objects
2. EMG + AI Control System
- EMG Sensors: Detect electrical signals from residual arm muscles
- AI Processing: Analyzes electromyogram signals and converts them to natural hand movements
- Socket Sensors: 2 sensors detect, amplify, and convert muscle movements to electrical signals
3. Durability Design
- Carbon Fiber Case: Lightweight and sturdy structure
- Rubber/Silicone Fingers: Flexibly responds to impact, prevents damage
- IP64 Waterproof: Protection from everyday splashes and dust
4. Finger Actuation
- 5-Finger Independent Flexion/Extension: All fingers move individually
- Powered Thumb Rotation: Electric thumb rotation + manual adjustment available
- 6 Motors: Precise multi-axis control
5. Connectivity
- Bluetooth App: Grip settings and control via iOS/Android app
- OTA Updates: Wireless software updates
- Open API: Full system integration support for research
Pricing and Insurance
Note: Prices and insurance information below are as of 2024, and actual costs and insurance coverage may vary depending on individual circumstances, insurance plans, and regions. Contact PSYONIC or your insurance company directly for specific information.
| Category | Price (as of 2024) |
|---|---|
| Market Price | $25,000 - $50,000 |
| Competitor Premium Prosthetics | $50,000 - $150,000 |
Insurance Coverage (US)
According to PSYONIC’s official announcement 1:
- Medicare: Eligible for Medicare coverage as an FDA-approved medical device
- Private Insurance: Covered by most US health insurance plans
Note: Insurance coverage and out-of-pocket costs vary depending on individual plan’s DME (Durable Medical Equipment) coverage terms.
Robotics Research Applications
PSYONIC Ability Hand is actively utilized not only as a prosthetic but also in robotics research.
“The same hand that is fitted on humans is also fitted on robots” - Aadeel Akhtar 4
NASA
- Valkyrie Humanoid Robot: Research on International Space Station (ISS) console control
- Research on hands for humanoid astronaut robots
Meta
- Robot Learning Research: Utilizing human-like form factor and rich hardware capabilities
- Used as a dexterous manipulation research platform
“Ability Hand’s human-like form factor and robust, feature-rich hardware provides exciting and unique potential as a platform for robot learning and dexterous manipulation research.” - Mustafa Mukadam, PhD (Meta Research Scientist) 5
Apptronik
- Apollo Humanoid Robot: Ability Hand integration demonstrated at 2023 IEEE Robotics and Automation Conference
- Apollo specs: Height 1.7m (5’9”), Weight 73kg (160lbs)
- Exploring Ability Hand utilization in humanoid robot production lines
- Apptronik history: Founded after collaboration with UT Austin roboticists on NASA DARPA Robotics Challenge
Research Product Release
PSYONIC has released Ability Hand separately for robotics researchers worldwide. 5
- Open API: Full system integration possible
- Fast Speed: 200ms closure time
- Multi-Touch: Suitable for tactile feedback research
- Durability: Suitable for repeated testing in research environments
Company Status
Note: Business information below is based on publicly available materials as of June 2024, and latest information may have changed.
Shark Tank Investment (February 2024) 6
- Investment: $1,000,000 (6% equity)
- Investors: Lori Greiner, Daymond John, Kevin O’Leary
- Negotiated Valuation: $50,000,000
Growth Status (as of 2024)
- Employees: Over 30 (engineers, physicians, social workers, public health experts)
- Facility: 5,000 sq.ft. in San Diego (expansion plans announced)
- Production: 1,000 units per year (targeting 10,000)
- Funding: $4.1M seed funding in 2024
Future Development Plans
- Direct Neural Stimulation: Collaboration with Navy Hospital + UCSD for bone and nerve integration research
- Goal to implement sensation like feeling from actual hand through direct neural stimulation rather than vibration feedback
- Additional Products: Wrist, elbow, knee, and ankle in development
Awards and Recognition
- MIT Technology Review 35 Innovators Under 35 (2021) - Aadeel Akhtar 3
- Newsweek “America’s 50 Greatest Disruptors” - Visionaries changing the world
See Also
References
Information in this document is as of January 2025. Please refer to the official website for the latest information.