The Future of Touch: How PSYONIC’s Ability Hand is Revolutionizing Robotics and Prosthetics

Boston, MA – In the United States alone, an estimated 2.1 million people live with limb loss, a number that underscores a pressing need for innovative solutions. Globally, more than 1 million amputations occur each year—one every 30 seconds—according to the Amputee Coalition. Enter PSYONIC, a San Diego-based company that’s blending robotics and bionics to transform lives. At the upcoming Robotics Summit & Expo in Boston, Dr. Aadeel Akhtar, PSYONIC’s founder and CEO, will unveil the groundbreaking Ability Hand, a prosthetic that promises not just functionality but a renewed sense of touch for its users.

The Ability Hand isn’t your average prosthetic. Equipped with integrated pressure sensors, it detects the force applied when gripping an object and sends a subtle vibration to the user’s arm, mimicking the sensation of touch. This feature allows users to handle fragile items—like a glass of water or an egg—with confidence and precision. PSYONIC claims it’s the fastest prosthetic hand on the market, impact-resistant, and the first to restore a sense of touch, setting it apart in a field where innovation can mean the difference between dependence and independence.

Akhtar’s journey to create this technology began with a chance encounter in Pakistan, where he met a young girl missing a limb. That moment inspired him to found PSYONIC, with a mission to make advanced, affordable bionic limbs accessible. “Our goal is to bridge the gap between human capability and robotic precision,” Akhtar said in a recent interview. The Ability Hand is now covered by Medicare and used not only by individuals but also by major players in robotics, including NASA, Meta, Mercedes, and Google, showcasing its versatility.

On May 1, from 3:30 to 4:15 p.m. ET, Akhtar will take the stage at the Robotics Summit & Expo for his keynote, “Advanced Bionics for Humans & Robots.” Attendees will get a live demonstration of the Ability Hand and a deep dive into how robotics and medical devices are converging to push boundaries. Akhtar, who holds a Ph.D. in neuroscience and an M.S. in electrical engineering from the University of Illinois, will explore how bionic advancements are enhancing human-machine interaction and inspiring better robots rooted in biology.

The summit, hosted by The Robot Report, expects over 5,000 attendees, from engineers to industry leaders, all eager to explore the latest in robotics. With more than 50 educational sessions across tracks like AI, healthcare, and logistics, plus over 200 exhibitors, the event promises a comprehensive look at the field’s future. Akhtar will share the keynote spotlight with luminaries like Aaron Saunders of Boston Dynamics and James Kuffner of Symbotic, amplifying the event’s draw.

The Ability Hand’s reach extends beyond individual users. Robotics companies are tapping into its technology to refine their own systems, highlighting a synergy between human needs and robotic innovation. For instance, NASA and Google have adopted it for research, proving its value in high-stakes environments. Meanwhile, Akhtar’s recognition—named to MIT Technology Review’s innovators list and securing a deal on Shark Tank—underscores the credibility behind PSYONIC’s work.

Co-located with DeviceTalks Boston, a leading medical technology event, the Robotics Summit offers a unique convergence of expertise. Together, these gatherings will connect professionals across healthcare, engineering, and robotics, fostering collaboration that could shape the next wave of life-changing devices.

For the millions affected by limb loss, technologies like the Ability Hand represent more than just tools—they’re a step toward reclaiming autonomy. As Akhtar prepares to showcase his work in Boston, the message is clear: the line between human and machine is blurring, and the result is a future where limitations are redefined. With its blend of speed, durability, and sensory feedback, the Ability Hand is not just a prosthetic—it’s a testament to what’s possible when innovation meets compassion.

Source : The robot report

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