Robotic limbs are making their way from science fiction into everyday life, thanks to innovations in technology and thoughtful design. One company, Alt Bionics, is redefining what’s possible in prosthetic technology by focusing on affordability and user-friendliness. Founded by Ryan Saavedra in San Antonio, Alt Bionics is creating bionic hands that are not only functional but also accessible to a broader audience.
Saavedra’s journey into the world of robotics began in a rather personal way. While studying electrical engineering at the University of Texas at San Antonio, he suffered a rock climbing accident that left him with an injured finger. Unable to use his hand for six months, Saavedra’s inventive spirit led him to experiment with various materials and a spare Arduino kit. This DIY project, although rudimentary, ignited his passion for creating practical solutions for those in need of prosthetics.
His initial experiments with a simple mechanical finger made from everyday materials sparked an idea. Saavedra was surprised to discover that the cost of a typical bionic hand ranged between $20,000 and $150,000—an amount far beyond what he could justify, especially when considering the low cost of his prototype. This revelation motivated him to explore ways to build a more affordable option without compromising on functionality or style.
The result was Alt Bionics and its flagship product, the Genesis Hand. Designed using an open-source blueprint from UK-based Open Bionics, the Genesis Hand represents a significant leap forward in prosthetic technology. Saavedra’s innovation lies not just in the functionality of the bionic hand but also in its price. At approximately $5,000, the Genesis Hand is positioned as one of the most affordable options available, with hopes that insurance will cover the cost for users.
The Genesis Hand is a testament to thoughtful engineering. Weighing about 500 grams (1.1 pounds), it is designed to be lightweight, reducing strain on the user. One of its standout features is the ease of replacing broken parts. The hand comes with four replacement fingers and five replacement fingertips, addressing a common frustration for prosthetic users. Instead of sending the entire device back for repairs, users can simply replace the damaged parts themselves, minimizing downtime and cost.
The technology behind the Genesis Hand includes electromyography (EMG) sensors that detect muscle activity in the user’s upper arm. These sensors translate muscle signals into movements of the hand’s fingers, enabling various grip styles and functions. With a grip limit of around 20 pounds, the Genesis Hand is built for everyday activities, from gardening to general daily tasks.
The broader context of bionic limb development is rich with innovation. In August 2023, Northwell Health achieved a breakthrough with AI-powered brain implants that restored movement and sensation to a quadriplegic patient, Keith Thomas. Similarly, Elon Musk’s Neuralink made headlines in January by implanting a Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) chip in a human brain, allowing the recipient, Noland Arbaugh, to play video games and set a brain control world record.
The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is also pushing boundaries with ongoing clinical trials aimed at achieving continuous neural control of bionic limbs. The challenge is to replicate the complex neural interactions of biological limbs, which involves sophisticated motor control and sensory feedback.
Saavedra envisions a future where technologies like Alt Bionics’ Genesis Hand could integrate with advancements from other companies, such as Neuralink. The idea is to create a seamless connection between thought and action, where users could control their bionic limbs directly with their minds. This integration could represent a significant leap forward in prosthetic technology, combining the best of current sensor-based solutions with next-generation neural interfaces.
The feedback for Alt Bionics’ Genesis Hand has been overwhelmingly positive, reflecting its impact on users’ lives. Saavedra shared a poignant anecdote about a friend’s cousin, an Army Ranger who had lost part of his arm in an explosion. When presented with the Genesis Hand, the first thing he wanted to do was use it to humorously flip off his nurses. The moment brought smiles and laughter to the room. More importantly, his father expressed heartfelt gratitude, saying the prosthetic had given his son a part of his life back.
Alt Bionics’ commitment to affordability and practicality is a game-changer in the prosthetic industry. By making advanced bionic technology accessible to more people, the company is not only improving the quality of life for its users but also setting a new standard for how prosthetic devices should be designed and priced. As the field continues to evolve, innovations like the Genesis Hand are paving the way for a future where advanced technology is within everyone’s reach.
