24th November 2025
Military veterans visiting the James J. Peters VA Medical Center in the Bronx, New York, had the opportunity to see our advanced bionic arms in action during a live demo event with Daniel Green, a certified prosthetist from the Open Bionics New York City clinic, who met with visitors and healthcare professionals outside the cafeteria entrance throughout the morning, demonstrating key features, answering questions, and sharing access pathways.
Daniel arrived with a full Hero ARM Ecosystem demo kit, the same setup our clinicians use when training our Certified Clinical Partners across the country. The kit included advanced bionic hands like our Hero RGD, MyoPods for identifying EMG signals, the Sidekick app for wireless grip control and training, and a Hero FLEX socket for demonstrating durability, comfort, and airflow.
Daniel said his primary goal was to familiarize veterans with the technology. “I want veterans to know that this device was built with them in mind,” he said. “When someone sees how quickly the grips respond or how secure the hold is, it could change what they think is possible.”
Upper-limb amputations are a significant concern for the veteran community. A national Department of Veterans Affairs study found that 22 percent (about 20,000 individuals) of veterans receiving amputation care at VA facilities had experienced upper-limb amputation. These figures are why durable, high-performance prosthetic solutions are so important.
Veterans were able to see how our Hero RGD connects wirelessly, how to swap in and out Activity Attachments for work or recreation, and how each component supports daily function. Throughout the event, Daniel talked through Hero RGD’s adaptive grip modes, app integration, waterproof construction, and rugged engineering. Many veterans commented on the responsiveness of the device and the strength of the materials.
“For nearly a decade, we’ve worked alongside veterans to understand exactly what they need from a prosthesis,” said Joel Gibbard, Open Bionics CEO and co-founder. “People like Darren in the U.K., Mike in Texas, and Danielle in Chicago all live active, demanding lives. Their feedback shaped every decision behind the Hero RGD.”
He added that the device’s high-strength nylon PA12 and titanium components, 77-pound lift capacity, half-second finger-close speed, and IPX8 waterproof rating were built specifically to meet real-world demands. “Veterans push their gear to the limits,” Joel said. “Hero RGD is built to keep up.”
Daniel encouraged veterans who could not attend to reach out. “You don’t need to wait for another event,” he said. “If someone wants to know whether the Hero RGD could support their goals, I’m here to help them explore every option.”
Want to pursue the Hero RGD through the VA or TRICARE? Open Bionics has created a Veterans’ Guide that walks you through every step, including how to work with your VA prosthetics clinic, what documentation helps your case, and how TRICARE reviews advanced prosthetic devices.
Veterans can schedule a free consultation with an Open Bionics clinician to discuss their goals, learn about next steps, and receive guidance tailored to their local VA system.
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