Open Bionics, the fledgling Bristol firm developing 3D-printed robotic hands for amputees, has won the coveted James Dyson Award, which celebrates, encourages and inspires the next generation of design engineers.
The award is the latest in a long line of accolades for the firm. It was recently selected for the Disney Accelerator Programme, was named the Prosthetic Innovation of the Year, and founders Joel Gibbard and Sammy Payne were inducted into the SEMTA’s Engineering Hall of Fame and shortlisted for the ‘Women in Business Award’ respectively. 
Open Bionics, which was founded in April last year, seeks to create affordable 3D printed robotic hands for amputees, scanning and building a custom-fitted socket and hand, in less than two days.
Sammy Payne said: “To have our work validated by the incredible engineers at Dyson has been amazing. The whole team is thrilled. We’re still prototyping and we hope to start more user-trials very soon.”
Joel Gibbard added: “Open Bionics is not just focusing on the functionality of the device; we’re focusing on making 3D printed hands that amputees will enjoy wearing. We want them to be fashionable, inspiring for children, and even have a few extra capabilities to one-up the human hand. We’re constantly working with amputees to develop these desirable devices.”
Open Bionics is based at the Technology Business Incubator – a visionary pilot program to stimulate and support technology start-ups based in the Bristol Robotics Laboratory (BRL) on the UWE campus. Working with undergraduate, graduate, post-graduates, staff and partner spin-out businesses, the incubator provides the BRL with up-to-date and detailed understanding of technology start-up needs and enhances the BRL’s creative and entrepreneurial culture. It provides valuable input to courses, research and research exploitation.
Anyone interested in being involved in Open Bionics’ trial should email hello@openbionics.com.
