Mayflower House
Pontefract Road
Leeds
LS10 1TB
Tel:
+44 (0) 113 270 4841
Email:
[email protected]
www.steepergroup.com
First UK user receives world’s most lifelike bionic hand
Formula 1 inspires bionic breakthrough as most anatomically accurate hand delivers
unrivalled level of precision and natural movements for young female user
A congenital amputee from London has become the first user in the UK to be fitted with a
new prosthetic hand that launches today and sets a new benchmark in small myoelectric
hands. Developed using F1 technology and specifically in scale for women and teenagers*,
the bebionic small hand is built around an accurate skeletal structure with miniaturised
components designed to provide the most true to life movements.
The bebionic small hand, developed by prosthetic experts Steeper, will enable fundamental
improvements in the lives of thousands of amputees across the world. The hand marks a
turning point in the world of prosthetics as it perfectly mimics the functions of a real hand
via 14 different precision grips. A bionic extension of the arm that enables the utmost
dexterity will enable amputees to engage in a range of activities that would have previously
been complex and unmanageable.
Nicky Ashwell becomes first UK user
Nicky Ashwell, 29, born without a right hand, received Steeper’s latest innovation at a fitting
by London Prosthetics Centre, a private facility providing expert services in cutting-edge
prosthetics. Before being fitted with the bebionic small hand, Nicky would use a cosmetic
hand without movement; as a result, Nicky learned to carry out tasks with one hand. The
bebionic small hand has been a major improvement to Nicky’s life, enabling her to do things
previously impossible with one hand such as riding a bike, gripping weights with both hands,
using cutlery and opening her purse.
Nicky, who is a Product Manager at an online fashion forecasting and trend service, said,
Mayflower House
Pontefract Road
Leeds
LS10 1TB
Tel:
+44 (0) 113 270 4841
Email:
[email protected]
www.steepergroup.com
“When I first tried the bebionic small hand it was an exciting and strange feeling; it
immediately opened up so many more possibilities for me. I realised that I had been making
life challenging for myself when I didn’t need to. The movements now come easily and look
natural; I keep finding myself being surprised by the little things, like being able to carry my
purse while holding my boyfriend’s hand. I’ve also been able to do things never before
possible like riding a bike and lifting weights.”
The technology behind bebionic small hand
Bebionic small hand works using sensors triggered by the user’s muscle movements that
connect to individual motors in each finger and powerful microprocessors. The technology
comprises a unique system which tracks and senses each finger through its every move –
mimicking the functions of a real hand. Development follows seven years of research and
manufacturing, including the use of Formula 1 techniques and military technology along
with advanced materials including aerograde aluminium and rare Earth magnets.
Ted Varley, Technical Director at Steeper said, “Looking to the future, there’s a trend of
technology getting more intricate; Steeper has embraced this and created a smaller hand
with advanced technology that is suitable for women and teenagers. An accurate skeletal
structure was firstly developed, with the complex technology then specifically developed to
fit within this in order to maintain anatomical accuracy. In other myoelectric hands the
technology is developed first, at the expense of the lifelikeness.”
Bebionic small hand at a glance:
•
Weighs approximately 390g – the same as a large bar of Galaxy chocolate
•
165mm from base to middle fingertip – the size of an average woman’s hand
•
Strong enough to handle up to 45kg – around the same as 25 bricks
•
14 grip patterns and hand positions to allow a range of precision movements
•
Contains 337 mechanical parts
Mayflower House
Pontefract Road
Leeds
LS10 1TB
Tel:
+44 (0) 113 270 4841
Email:
[email protected]
www.steepergroup.com
•
The only multi-articulated hand with patented finger control system using rare Earth
magnets
•
*Specifically designed with women, teenagers and smaller framed men in mind
Image caption: Nicky Ashwell is the first UK patient to be fitted with the bebionic small
hand, designed especially for women and teenagers due to its small proportions.
Image caption: Nicky Ashwell is now able to pursue more fitness activities after being fitted
with the world’s most lifelike hand.
Image caption: bebionic small hand perfectly mimics the functions of a real hand via 14
different precision grips
Mayflower House
Pontefract Road
Leeds
LS10 1TB
Tel:
+44 (0) 113 270 4841
Email:
[email protected]
www.steepergroup.com
For further information on the advanced prosthetic, orthotic and assistive technology products and
services from Steeper, please visit www.steepergroup.com.
For further information please contact:
Holly Wale / Marc Gossage
Tel: 01225 471202
Email: [email protected]
Founded in 1921 as a prosthetics specialist to treat war veterans, Steeper today is a leading manufacturer and supplier of
dynamic and progressive prosthetic, orthotic and assistive technology products.
Steeper’s mission is to create turning points that empower patients and customers by delivering responsive clinical services
alongside world-leading technologies - including bebionic, the world's most advanced prosthetic hand. Bespoke orthotic
appliances are produced in manufacturing facilities in the North of England combining age-old skills with the latest innovations
in manufacturing and materials.
In the UK, Steeper orthotic and prosthetic clinicians are registered with the Health and Care Professionals Council, who
together provide clinical services to more than 250,000 patients each year. Globally, Steeper’s reach spans major regions with
a global distributor network and a Steeper team based in the USA.