Teen’s Breakthrough World’s First Fully Waterproof and Wireless Bionic Arms

In a remarkable stride for prosthetic technology, 19-year-old Tilly Lockey from Bath, England, has played a pivotal role in developing the world’s most advanced bionic arms. Working closely with Bristol-based Open Bionics, Tilly has helped refine the Hero RGD and Hero PRO, launched on April 3, 2025. These cutting-edge prosthetic limbs are transforming lives with their unprecedented features, offering hope and independence to amputees worldwide.

Tilly, who lost both hands to meningitis at 15 months, has been a trailblazer in the bionic community. For nearly a decade, she’s worn earlier versions of Open Bionics’ Hero Arm, providing invaluable feedback that shaped the new models. “My older Hero Arms changed my life, but these new ones are on another level,” Tilly shared. “I can rotate my wrists 360 degrees, flex them, and even control my hand wirelessly to make it crawl back to me. It’s like something out of a sci-fi movie!”

The Hero RGD and Hero PRO stand out as the first fully waterproof and wireless bionic arms, a game-changer for amputees who’ve long faced limitations with water-sensitive prosthetics. They’re also the fastest and lightest bionic hands available, boasting a 35kg lifting capacity and 360-degree wrist rotation. Wireless MyoPod sensors detect muscle signals, allowing intuitive control, while interchangeable magnetic covers—featuring Marvel, Star Wars, and Disney designs—add a touch of personal flair.

Open Bionics, celebrating its 10th anniversary and over 1,000 users worldwide, has pushed the boundaries of innovation with these arms. Co-founders Samantha Payne MBE and Joel Gibbard MBE, recipients of the 2024 Princess Royal Silver Medal, emphasized the significance of the design. “Everything is housed in the palm, including the battery, which enables wireless control and waterproofing,” Payne explained. “Amputees can now swap out the hand for sports attachments, eliminating the need to carry multiple arms.”

The arms are approved by the UK’s MHRA and the US FDA, with funding available through Medicare and Medicaid in the US. In the UK, a 2018 campaign led by Hero Arm users, including Tilly, successfully changed NHS England policy, making the technology accessible to more people. This milestone reflects Open Bionics’ commitment to affordability, using 3D printing to create custom, multi-grip prosthetics at a fraction of traditional costs.

Tilly, now a global influencer and advocate for limb difference, continues to inspire. “These arms don’t just help me physically—they’ve boosted my confidence and let me embrace who I am,” she said. From walking London Fashion Week runways to performing on BBC Radio One’s Big Weekend stage, Tilly’s journey shows the transformative power of this technology.

For amputees, the Hero RGD and Hero PRO offer more than functionality—they offer freedom. Whether it’s multitasking, playing sports, or simply enjoying a splash in the pool, these arms empower users to live life on their terms. More details are available at Open Bionics’ Hero RGD and Hero PRO pages.

As Tilly puts it, “This tech is epic. It’s not just about what I can do now—it’s about what’s possible for everyone.” With innovations like these, the future for amputees is brighter than ever.

Sources: Somerset Live (April 12, 2025), Bristol Live (April 3, 2025), Open Bionics (April 2025)