13th February 2026
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.
“
“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.”
”
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.
“
“The Hero RGD has probably the best socket I’ve ever worn. The most comfortable, for sure.”
”
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.”
“
“One of the blessings of the Hero is I can use activity-specific devices with the same socket.”
”
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.
English 
USA 
German