Helping hand: Russia has created a budget traction prosthetic hand
Russia has developed a high-tech budget traction prosthetic hand. Thanks to 3D printing technology, the product adapts to the individual anatomical features of the user and regains lost motor abilities. Among the key features of the innovation are the possibility of customization for any patient, water resistance, and wide availability due to the optimization of production technology compared to standard models. However, experts noted that a range of upper limb prostheses is already on the market, so it will not be easy for developers to occupy their niche.
What is the difference between traction and bionic prostheses?
The Russian startup ProtoMir, created by students of the Maikop State Technological University with the support of the National Technology Initiative (NTI), has developed a low-cost traction prosthetic hand. According to the developers, prototyping has been completed, a 3D model has been created and tests have been carried out. Due to the optimization of production, the cost will be 25% lower than the market, and the creation period will be seven days.
— The technology has been confirmed in the laboratory. The necessary documentation has been prepared, and materials for manufacturing have been selected," the NTI press service noted.
According to project manager Dmitry Vasiliev, the creators of traction prostheses have provided for the possibility of so—called customization - individual design for the customer. The project team has started forming partnerships with clinics and rehabilitation centers in the Southern Federal District.
The prosthesis is made of biocompatible materials — composites, carbon filaments and lightweight plastic. They accelerate survival and reduce the risk of inflammation. This makes the prostheses safe to use. The project will allow people with disabilities to lead an active lifestyle and regain their functionality.
Another advantage of the prosthesis is its water resistance. Protection from water ingress ensures comfort and confidence in use. The load capacity is 5 kg. This will help to develop the motor functions of the arm and restore the average load.
— The traction prosthesis for the hand consists of a plastic frame, a control unit and fasteners. This will make it accessible and keep it functional. It will allow people with disabilities to feel comfortable," said the project manager.
Prosthetics are divided into traction and bionic. The former are controlled by traction inside and controlled by the movements of the preserved joint without electronics. Bionic prosthetics are robotic. Traction exercises help train the muscles of the arms, shoulder and forearm, which improves the installation of bionic ones in the future.
The startup's development plans include scaling production to the entire territory of Russia, entering the CIS markets and developing a bionic version of the prosthesis with enhanced functionality. The project also participates in the acceleration program of the federal project "Platform of University Technological Entrepreneurship", the operator of the acceleration programs of the project is NTI.
What are Russian prosthetics?
Russian developments in the field of prosthetics have long become a social story that is relevant in modern conditions. The creation of a domestic prototype will make it possible to provide assistance to people with disabilities faster and, probably, much cheaper, says Dmitry Shtanenko, chief specialist in the development of digital sports at the Federal Sports Reserve Training Center.
— The startup's project is relevant and socially significant, but a line of upper limb prostheses has already been introduced to the market. The main suppliers of components for them are Ottobock, Össur, Promedi companies. At the same time, prosthetics created from components from these manufacturers can be obtained free of charge under the IPRA program (individual rehabilitation program). The products are already widely represented in different regions of the country and have proven themselves well," said Vladimir Ermishin, head of the laboratory of bionic exoprostheses of the upper and lower extremities with the neuro—management of the Competence Center for NTI "Bionic Engineering in Medicine" at SamSMU.
According to the expert, the term "high-tech" in relation to traction prosthesis sounds incorrect if innovative elements are not specified. Mentioning biocompatible materials is logical if developers have replaced outdated components (for example, neoprene). for modern composites. But it's worth explicitly stating which risks for users have been eliminated, otherwise it looks like an obvious requirement for any such product.
According to Vladimir Ermishin, the development is undoubtedly promising, but it requires testing on patients who have experience using prosthetics to assess the convenience and reliability of the device.
— We welcome the emergence of new projects in the field of assistive technologies, such as traction prosthetic hand. There are millions of people in the world who need affordable solutions to improve their quality of life. The project looks promising thanks to 3D printing and customization. If the team succeeds in making the product user—friendly and launching mass production, this will be good news for the market," concluded Alexey Akhmetshin, Marketing Director of Motorika (which develops bionic prostheses).
Earlier it became known that Rostec Corporation expanded the production of bionic prostheses in 2025 amid increasing demand. They are controlled by a microprocessor, each finger has a separate drive. This allows you to move your hand and pick up even fragile objects with maximum convenience.
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