Access to specialized upper limb prosthetic care has long been shaped by geography. For individuals with limb differences in the Northeast, the distance to a dedicated bionic arm clinic can make consultations, fittings, and follow-up appointments difficult to sustain. Open Bionics is addressing that directly with monthly prosthetic arm clinic appointments in Philadelphia, led by Daniel Green, CPO, clinical lead of the Open Bionics New York clinic.
The Philadelphia pop-up clinics are designed for individuals who want access to advanced upper limb prosthetic technology without the cost and time burden of repeated long-distance travel. They are open to children, teens, and adults with below-elbow, wrist, and partial hand amputations or congenital limb differences.
Daniel said the decision to expand into Philadelphia is a fairly straightforward clinical principle. “Specialized upper limb care should not depend on your zip code,” he said. “By bringing our team to Philadelphia each month, we are making it easier for people to explore advanced bionic technology without the burden of frequent long-distance travel.”
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“Specialized upper limb care should not depend on your zip code. By bringing our team to Philadelphia each month, we are making it easier for people to explore advanced bionic technology without the burden of frequent long-distance travel.”
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Each appointment at the Philadelphia clinic offers a zero-commitment introduction to Open Bionics’ devices and clinical process. Patients can receive a device demonstration, observe how our modern wireless and waterproof EMG systems respond to muscle signals in real time, and discuss goals with a certified prosthetist.
The Hero PRO and Hero RGD are available for demonstration at these sessions. Patients can explore features including multi-grip functionality, waterproof components, and lightweight 3D-printed sockets during their visit.
Daniel, a Certified Prosthetist with extensive experience in upper limb prosthetics, said the first appointment is primarily about listening. “Upper limb prosthetics require a different level of precision and personalization,” he said. “When someone is considering a bionic arm, they deserve time, attention, and a plan that reflects their goals at work, at home, and in their community.”
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“Upper limb prosthetics require a different level of precision and personalization. When someone is considering a bionic arm, they deserve time, attention, and a plan that reflects their goals at work, at home, and in their community.”
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For many patients, the Philadelphia clinic is their first direct experience with current bionic arm technology. Daniel said the moment when a patient first feels the device respond to their muscle signals is often a turning point. “The moment they realize the hand responds naturally to their muscle signals, you can see the shift,” he said. “It becomes less about a device and more about what is possible again.”
Patients who begin their journey at a Philadelphia pop-up clinic continue through the full Open Bionics clinical process. Digital scanning, socket design, and Sidekick App training are all coordinated through the same network. Where more advanced fittings or follow-up care are required, the New York clinic provides that support.
Daniel said that continuity is central to how the pop-up model is designed. “The pop-up clinic is the starting point,” he said. “From there, we guide each person step by step, whether that means additional visits in Philadelphia or coordination with our New York clinic for advanced fittings and follow-up care.”
Clinicians at Open Bionics handle significantly more upper limb cases than the industry average. That volume translates into focused expertise in fitting and adjusting the Hero PRO and Hero RGD, and it is the clinical foundation that makes a monthly satellite clinic viable.
The Philadelphia pop-up clinic is part of a broader effort to expand access to specialized bionic arm care across the Northeast. Daniel leads both the New York clinic and the monthly Philadelphia sessions, providing patients in both locations with consistent clinical leadership and direct access to a prosthetist with deep, device-specific experience.
“Every person who walks through our doors has a different story,” Daniel said. “Our job is to listen first, then build a solution that fits their life. Bringing that opportunity to Philadelphia is something we are incredibly proud of.”
If you are in the Philadelphia area and considering a Hero Arm, Hero PRO, or Hero RGD, visit our Open Bionics popup clinic learn more about how our devices are designed, fitted, and supported by the team that knows them best. To find out what your first weeks with a new bionic arm would look like, book a free consultation with Daniel Green to find out when and where then next clinical popup will be held.
Dave is a U.S. Army veteran who spent his early adulthood jumping out of planes as airborne infantry. He served with Charlie Company, 3rd Battalion, 325th Infantry Regiment out of Fort Bragg and spent time stationed in Vicenza, Italy.
Near the end of his tour, Dave lost his left hand in a train accident on the way to Milan. He put his arm out of the train window as another train passed in the opposite direction. The impact severely damaged his wrist and fingers and led to amputation, followed by multiple salvage surgeries over the years.
Years later, Dave began searching for a bionic arm that could hold up in real-world conditions. He needed something that could keep pace at the gym, in the pool, and in daily life without constant worry about damage.
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“The Hero RGD is a step forward. It’s rugged, it’s fast, it’s waterproof, and it gives me back the confidence to do the things I love. That’s what matters most.”
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After learning about the Hero RGD and its fully waterproof design, he connected with Daniel Green, certified prosthetist at our New York City clinic, to be fitted with his Hero RGD.
Swimming is part of Dave’s routine, and waterproof performance was non-negotiable. After sharing a video of himself swimming with his bionic arm, he said publicly, “The water is so therapeutic for the mind-body connection. Having the blessing of swimming with the Hero RGD is hard to describe in words, but the movement and how it feels changes the game.”
Built from nylon and titanium, the Hero RGD is engineered for tough environments. It can lift up to 77 pounds, absorb impacts, and continue working even underwater. The device carries an IPX8 waterproof rating from fingertip to elbow and closes its grip in approximately 0.4 seconds, making it one of the fastest multi-grip bionic hands available.
“No wires, dude,” Dave said. “This changes everything.”
Hero RGD pairs wirelessly with MyoPod sensors for precise muscle control and more than 20 different grip patterns.
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“The Hero RGD has probably the best socket I’ve ever worn. The most comfortable, for sure.”
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Reflecting on the engineering behind the arm, Dave said, “Open Bionics gets it. No playing in the sandbox with what they did.”
Dave lives by a simple motto: “Stay true to it.” The phrase came from a doctor during recovery and became a guiding principle as he rebuilt strength and confidence.
At the gym, he relies on precision grips, strength, and a comfortable socket. The lightweight design and multiple grip options allow him to train, type, carry equipment, and move naturally throughout the day. The socket supports joint health and helps keep his residual limb muscles active.
“I know I’m only touching less than half of the capability this thing has,” he said. “I feel like I can move mountains.”
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“One of the blessings of the Hero is I can use activity-specific devices with the same socket.”
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He also sees the technology as part of a broader shift. “Everybody has a God-given right to have an arm that works with all their digits and wrist,” he said. “Open Bionics is moving us in the right direction.”
Veterans across the U.S. are discovering what’s possible with Hero RGD. Schedule a free consultation today to explore your options.
Is the Hero RGD fully waterproof?
The Hero RGD carries an IPX8 waterproof rating, meaning it is designed to withstand continuous immersion in water, including swimming.
How fast is the Hero RGD?
The Hero RGD closes in approximately 0.4 seconds and can lift up to 77 pounds.
How much does the Hero RGD weigh?
The device weighs approximately 1.27 pounds, balancing durability with extended wear comfort.
How long does the battery last?
The Hero RGD is engineered for all-day use on a single charge.
Who qualifies for a waterproof bionic arm?
Individuals with below-elbow (transradial) limb loss who are candidates for a myoelectric prosthesis may qualify. A clinical consultation can determine eligibility.
In a recent above-elbow fitting, prosthetists at Allied OP and Open Bionics worked together to deliver a hybrid prosthetic configuration centered on functional use and patient choice.
Complex upper-limb cases can often require cross-clinic collaboration and practical technology. Angelo Russello, a senior prosthetist at Allied OP, is often referred upper-limb cases across multiple offices because of his extensive experience. A recent case involved an adult above-elbow amputee who expressed interest in the Hero PRO myoelectric hand after learning about the technology online.
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“The idea was to give her flexibility. She can function with a hook day to day, but wanted to use a hand when it makes sense”
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Because she presented with reduced function in her sound arm, a bionic hand would help with daily tasks that required grip and precision. However, the clinical evaluation showed limited viable control sites on her upper arm, ruling out a fully powered myoelectric elbow as well.
A hybrid approach offered a practical solution.
“The idea was to give her flexibility,” Angelo explained. “She can function with a hook day to day, but wanted to use a hand when it makes sense.”
The final configuration paired a body-powered hook with a myoelectric hand using our standard quick-disconnect wrist adapter, allowing the patient to switch terminal devices depending on the task.
Angelo worked closely with Daniel Green, clinician at our Open Bionics clinic in New York City, to review compatibility, fabrication considerations, and system setup.
“This was a strong collaboration from the start,” Daniel said. “Our professional relationship began with a referral and has quickly turned into ongoing communication around advanced bionic technology, training, and fabrication.”
Angelo led the clinical decision-making throughout the process, Daniel explained. “Our role was to support that process by reviewing compatibility and making sure the components worked together the way Angelo needed them to.”
The hybrid configuration also addressed common insurance coverage and fabrication constraints.
“The ability to support a true hybrid configuration is important,” Daniel said. “It allows clinicians to incorporate a myoelectric hand alongside body-powered options within one system.”
Using a single socket for both devices reduces the need for additional fabrication, and has shown to support long-term adoption.
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“This approach makes it possible to support the patient with multiple options without requiring separate sockets”
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“At the end of the day, the goal is to give someone a prosthesis they’ll actually use,” Green said. “This approach makes it possible to support the patient with multiple options without requiring separate sockets.”
If you’re curious to know how our bionic technology could help you reach your goals, ask your certified prosthetist about the Hero PRO.
We work with clinicians to support the best possible outcome. Connect with our team for training on our advanced bionic technology to know what’s available for your patients.
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