PSYONIC demoing Ability Hand

There are currently an estimated 2.1 million people in the U.S. who are missing a limb, according to the Amputee Coalition. Globally, more than 1 million limbs are amputated each year, one every 30 seconds. Robotics experts like those at PSYONIC are hoping to apply advanced technology to give individuals missing limbs more independence.

PSYONIC offers the Ability Hand, which humans and robots can use. The robotic hand has integrated sensors that detect pressure when the user grips an object. When it detects pressure, the prosthetic sends a vibration to the user’s arm to communicate the sensation. This allows users to feel what they’re doing so they can work with even the most delicate objects.

Dr. Aadeel Akhtar, the founder and CEO of PSYONIC, will give attendees at the Robotics Summit & Expo in Boston an inside look at the San Diego, Calif.-based company’s technology. His keynote presentation, “Advanced Bionics for Humans & Robots,” will include a live talk and demonstration of the Ability Hand.

In his keynote, which will be on May 1 from 3:30 to 4:15 p.m. ET, Akhtar will explore the synergy between robotics and medical devices. He will also discuss groundbreaking advancements in bionic technology.

PSYONIC will also demo the Ability Hand in booth 750 on the expo floor.

From developing prosthetics that restore touch and dexterity to integrating robotics for improved human-machine interaction, attendees will learn how cutting-edge research and innovation are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. Discover the shared challenges and solutions in creating life-changing devices for humans and building better robots inspired by biology.

Akhtar founded PSYONIC to create advanced, affordable bionic limbs after meeting a young girl in Pakistan who was missing a limb. The company claimed that Ability Hand is the fastest on the market, impact-resistant, and the first to provide a sense of touch. The system is covered by Medicare and is being used by humans and robotics companies globally, including NASA, Meta, Mercedes, and Google.

Akhtar earned a Ph.D. in neuroscience and an M.S. in electrical and computer engineering from the University of Illinois. He also has a B.S. in biology and an M.S. in computer science from Loyola University Chicago. He’s been recognized by MIT Technology Review and Newsweek and secured a three-shark deal on Shark Tank.

More about the 2025 Robotics Summit

This year’s Robotics Summit & Expo, produced by The Robot Report, will bring together more than 5,000 attendees focused on building robots for various commercial industries. Attendees will gain insights into the latest enabling technologies, engineering best practices, emerging trends, and more. Registration is now open.

The show will have more than 50 educational sessions in tracks on artificial intelligence, design and development, enabling technologies, healthcare, and logistics. The Engineering Theater on the show floor will also feature presentations by industry experts.

In addition to Akhtar, keynote speakers will include:

• Aaron Saunders, the chief technology officer at Boston Dynamics
• Aaron Parness, the director of applied science in robotics and AI at Amazon Robotics
• James Kuffner, the CTO of Symbotic

Over 200 exhibitors in the expo hall will showcase the latest enabling technologies, products, and services that can help robotics engineers throughout their development journeys.

The Robotics Summit also offers numerous networking opportunities, a Career Fair, a robotics development challenge, the RBR50 Robotics Innovation Awards Gala, and more.