Teenager Tilly Lockey Partners with Robotics Firm to Develop Advanced Prosthetic Limbs

In a remarkable display of innovation and resilience, 19-year-old Tilly Lockey from Bath, who tragically lost both her hands to meningitis, has played a significant role in the development of state-of-the-art prosthetic limbs in collaboration with Bristol-based Open Bionics. Over the span of four years, Tilly has actively contributed to the testing and refinement of the Hero RGD and Hero PRO bionic arms, which were officially launched on April 3rd. These groundbreaking devices stand out as the first fully waterproof and wireless bionic arms, greatly enhancing functionality for amputees. The Hero RGD and Hero PRO boast several features that have been heralded as revolutionary in the field of prosthetics. These include a lifting capacity of up to 35 kg, 360-degree wrist rotation, and the incorporation of wireless MyoPod sensors that facilitate intuitive control for users. Tilly, who has worn earlier iterations of the Hero Arm for nearly a decade, expressed her astonishment at the advancements made, noting the significant improvements in strength and functionality that these new models offer. In a recent statement, she enthused, 'I can remove my own hand and have it crawl across a table and back to me controlling it via the wireless sensors in my socket.' Such a unique demonstration not only showcases the technical prowess of Open Bionics but also emphasizes the extraordinary potential of bionic technology for enhancing the lives of those with limb differences. This launch aligns with Open Bionics' tenth anniversary, a celebration also marked by achieving over 1,000 users worldwide of their groundbreaking technology. Open Bionics has gained recognition for its innovative approach, utilizing 3D printing to manufacture affordable multi-grip hands. The leadership team, comprising Samantha Payne MBE and Joel Gibbard MBE, has received accolades including the prestigious Princess Royal Silver Medal, indicating a broader acknowledgment of their contributions to engineering and medical technology. Samantha Payne commented on the release, stating, 'This design pushes the very boundaries of what is physically possible,' highlighting the thoughtful engineering that has gone into ensuring the device operates seamlessly in everyday environments. Both arms have received approval from regulatory bodies including the MHRA and the US FDA, making them accessible through Medicare and Medicaid in the United States. Furthermore, a campaign in 2018 led by Hero Arm users successfully influenced NHS England policy, enabling the technology's availability through the UK’s National Health Service. As a prominent advocate for those with limb differences, Tilly Lockey continues to raise awareness around the transformative power of such technologies. Her journey not only illustrates the potentials of biomedical advancements but also serves as a beacon of hope for countless individuals facing similar challenges. The successful launch of these prostheses reflects not just a personal triumph for Tilly but a significant leap forward in how technology can bridge gaps in mobility and functionality for amputees. In a recent appearance on This Morning, Tilly demonstrated the impressive capabilities of her new prosthetics, captivating viewers and further solidifying her role as a representative for advancements in limb technology. In summary, Tilly Lockey’s partnership with Open Bionics signals a new era for prosthetics, showcasing how collaboration between users and developers can yield life-changing results. As technology continues to evolve, the possibilities for improving the quality of life for amputees seem limitless, heralding a future where such matches of innovation and human experience become the norm rather than the exception.