A Water-Resistant Bionic Arm Built for HVAC Work in Extreme Heat

A water-resistant bionic arm for HVAC work can make all difference. For nearly three decades, Mike has worked in some of the toughest environments in Texas, climbing ladders, crawling through cramped attics, repairing AC units in extreme heat, and managing heavy tools with one hand

He lost his left hand in 1999 after a flare gun malfunctioned and spent years trying to find a prosthetic arm that could keep up with his work. His early experience with prosthetics was discouraging. The first clinician he ever saw suggested cutting more of his arm off to make the fitting easier. He was handed a wooden body-powered device. “I’m like, wood, really? Is this the 1700s?” he joked. Later, his body-powered arm was so uncomfortable he only used it when riding his motorcycle.

His first myoelectric prosthesis was also problematic because it was heavy, unreliable, and easily disabled by heat and sweat. “You put your arm in different positions and it gets no contact,” he said. “When you are in a hot attic trying to wire something up, it just stops.” 

Mike discovered Open Bionics on Facebook after seeing Hero Arm and Hero PRO videos featuring Tilly Lockey. When he connected with Travis Heins, certified prosthetist at our Austin, Texas, clinic the difference between his old device and the Hero PRO was immediate. “This one is a third of the weight,” he said. “Much, much lighter. It works much faster and stronger.” The Hero PRO’s multi grip bionic hand, with its individually articulating fingers, adjustable grip strength, and secure freeze mode, offered the stability he never had before. “You can hold a bag of groceries and it does not fall out of your hand,” he said.

One of the biggest improvements for Mike was Hero PRO’s water resistance. The hand, wrist, MyoPod sensors, and Hero Flex socket can get wet and continue working, which solves the heat and moisture issues that used to shut his prosthesis down. “This thing is great. I can wash dishes with it or whatever,” he said. “If I am out and about and it starts raining, I can keep the hand on. Before, I had to grab a plastic bag and cover up the arm because if it got wet, it was done.” The Hero Flex socket also addressed the swelling and discomfort he experienced every day. “This one is adjustable. I really like that feature. The other one made my arm swell up because it could not breathe.”.

Reliable control is essential when working in attics that routinely exceed 120 degrees, but fortunately our wireless and waterproof MyoPod sensors can read muscle signals even through sweat. “I still work every day, so I am hoping I can take this up in the attic with me,” he said. “The other one would break all the time. This one, if it breaks, they can print me a new piece and I am good to go.”

He also started using the Sidekick app to personalize grip settings and track usage. “The app is a lot better,” he said. “I am not very tech savvy, but it looks pretty easy.”

For Mike, the change is simple. After 26 years of adapting and compensating, he now has a prosthetic arm built for the way he actually lives and works. The Hero PRO is light, fast, water resistant, dependable, and easy to repair. It keeps up with him in the attic, on his motorcycle, and at home. When asked what he would tell other amputees, Mike said, “Just try Open Bionics. It is so much lighter. It is more versatile. It does more things.”

Whether you’re exploring a prosthesis for the first time or considering an upgrade, a free consultation with a certified prosthetist can help you understand your options. Schedule your consultation to see what’s possible.