Indian innovators revolutionise prosthetics for war-affected Ukraine

• The Superhumans Centre offers its services free of charge, thanks to funding from international organizations

• The cost of prosthetic limbs, particularly advanced myoelectric hands like the ‘Zeus’, can range from €15,000 to €50,000

• However, these cutting-edge technologies are helping soldiers and civilians alike rebuild their lives and regain independence in the face of immense adversity

PRAVASISAMWAD.COM

As the war in Ukraine continues to take its toll, Indian innovators have stepped forward to support those who have suffered life-changing injuries, reported timesofindia.indiatimes.com.

Amid the ongoing conflict, a Polish-based company founded by Indian innovators, Aether Biomedical, has become a lifeline for amputees in Ukraine. The company specializes in advanced bionic arms and has supplied 70 prosthetic limbs to those affected by the war, notably soldiers who have lost limbs in combat.

One of these soldiers is Yevhen Pramonov, a member of the Ukrainian special forces battalion, who lost his legs while clearing mines in the Donetsk region. He was critically injured last December when he stepped on a Russian mine. After being evacuated under fire, Yevhen’s survival and recovery were made possible by the expertise of the Superhumans Centre in Lviv, which provides prosthetics, reconstructive surgery, mental health support, and rehabilitation to both soldiers and civilians.

The Superhumans Centre has already treated over 625 individuals and provided more than 850 prosthetic limbs. However, much of its success is attributed to the innovative bionic arms provided by Aether Biomedical, a company founded by Dhruv Agrawal and Faith Jiwakhan, graduates of Vardhman Mahavir Medical College, New Delhi.

Aether Biomedical’s bionic hand, known as ‘Zeus’, is a game-changer in the world of prosthetics. The company started small, with Dhruv and Faith developing the prototype in a cramped room during their first year of medical school. Today, their prosthetic arms are renowned for their advanced functionality. The bionic hand uses muscle signals, transmitted through electrodes, to control movement via an algorithm. It is also 3D printed and can be repaired locally—an essential feature for individuals in war-torn Ukraine who cannot afford to wait for lengthy overseas repairs.

In a war-torn country, where resources are stretched thin, Aether Biomedical’s prosthetics are offering a lifeline, providing a new future for those who have lost so much

“Our prosthetics are designed to be strong, reliable, and easy to repair,” says Dhruv Agrawal. “Most bionic hands break easily and are challenging to fix, but our arm is the strongest in the world, with a gripping capacity of 35kg. The fingers are damage-resistant and built to withstand the demands of daily life.” This strength has proven invaluable to Ukrainian soldiers, many of whom are eager to continue serving their country, despite their injuries.

One of the innovative features of the ‘Zeus’ hand is its web-based platform, which enables clinicians to make remote adjustments. Dr. Faith Jiwakhan explains, “We have developed a cloud-based app that allows clinicians to monitor patients and adjust the prosthetic settings remotely. This ensures that patients receive continuous care and support, even in the most difficult circumstances.”

For amputees like Yevhen, the prosthetic limbs have been a source of hope and resilience. Despite the traumatic experience of losing his legs, Yevhen is determined to continue serving his country. With the help of his bionic limbs, he plans to return to military service as a lecturer at a Ukrainian military academy.

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