‘Hero’ arms win co-founders MBE
I have always hidden
away ... but then having this, it’s like a
different me
Today
Ireland,”
THE co-founders of a Bristol company that makes bionic arms for amputees have been awarded MBEs in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list 2020.
Joel Gibbard and Samantha Payne, of Open Bionics, were given the accolade for their work making bionic technology accessible to people globally.
The duo set up their company in 2014, with the goal of developing affordable, assistive devices that enhance the human body.
The business uses 3D printing and 3D scanning techniques to make its products and launched its first one, the ‘hero arm’, in 2018.
Samantha, chief operating officer, said: “I was surprised to receive the nomination. It feels really wonderful to have your work recognised and acknowledged nationally. I’m grateful to be in a position where I believe in the work and I’m passionate about changing the industry and empowering patients.”
The news comes just days after the company released a new version of its ‘hero arm’, which is the world’s most affordable multigrip bionic arm.
The new version includes laser-sintered frames, socket technology, and magnetic covers.
Joel, chief executive, said: “This award is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the Open Bionics team, who have worked tirelessly to make prosthetic technology more accessible, useful and empowering for the limb-different community.
“I’m personally honoured to have been able to lead such a talented team of people, and to have them share my passion for democratising and advancing technology.”
Earlier this year, Open Bionics gave one of its ‘hero arms’ to a teacher born without a right forearm.
Vikki Smith, 25, from Berkshire, who had her arm funded by the Worshipful Company of Glovers of London, said the arm “changed her life forever”.
“I have always hidden away, I’ve always liked people not looking at me, but then having this, it’s like a different me,” she said.
The arm is one of several ‘hero arms’ manufactured by Open Bionics. In January, an 11-year-old quadruple amputee became the first person to receive a bionic arm themed on the Star Wars robot character R2-D2.
The company has worked with Disney and designed Star Wars’ BB-8 character, Marvel’s Iron Man and Frozen bionic covers for its arms.
Last year, Samantha and Joel raised a £4.6million investment to expand into international markets and deliver bionic hands to amputees and people with limb differences in the US. The ‘hero arm’ is now available in the UK, Europe and the US.
Samantha added: “I work with some truly talented, creative, motivated and supportive people within Open Bionics and within the limb different community. A huge thanks to those who have consistently gone above and beyond throughout the journey to build the dream, whatever it takes.”