Bristol firm builds bionic arm for accident victim

A lorry driver from Germany has become one of the first people in the world to be fitted with a bionic arm designed in Bristol.

Michael Altheim lost four fingers on his right hand in a work accident.

He has now been fitted with a 3D printed device called the Hero Gauntlet, designed by Bristol-based Open Bionics.

Mr. Altheim’s accident occurred a decade ago when the glove he was wearing got caught in an industrial machine,

The new device, called the Hero Gauntlet, has 3D printed fingers that clip onto your palm.

They are controlled by the movement of Mr. Altheim’s wrist, allowing him to experience grasping and holding objects for the first time since his accident.

“We previously had partial finger solutions, but the weight was very high, the function was minimal and it wasn’t waterproof,” he said.

“Maybe I could fold a towel and that was it. I’ve never been able to hold a screwdriver or hammer properly or use them for fishing.”

The waterproof and lightweight Hero Gauntlet was custom built for Mr. Altheim using 3D scanning and 3D printing by Open Bionics.

Samantha Payne, COO and co-founder of Open Bionics, said: “We have received so many requests from the limb difference community to design and develop a partial hand solution that provides functionality and comfort for full-body wear throughout the day.

“It’s pure joy to see this piece of engineering have an instant positive impact on the activities Michael loves to do.”