MakersHive, an innovative startup based in Hyderabad, has introduced KalArm, the first fully functional bionic hand that integrates cutting-edge technology into the prosthetics world.
Over the years, people with disabilities have earned rightful recognition for their talents and perseverance in leading fulfilling lives despite their challenges. Assistive technology plays a crucial role in fostering inclusivity and empowering individuals with disabilities, older adults, and those with mental health conditions or gradual functional decline. These technologies enable them to perform tasks that might otherwise be difficult or impossible, fostering independence, self-confidence, and a sense of purpose.
The rapid advancements in technology and robotics have led to significant growth in the assistive technology sector. Innovations now span across mobility aids, hearing devices, cognitive supports, and various software and hardware solutions tailored to different disabilities. Examples include wheelchairs, prosthetic limbs, hearing aids, voice recognition software, closed captioning, and devices designed to assist with memory, attention, and other cognitive challenges.
Despite these advancements, the Indian assistive technology (AT) market still has significant gaps, particularly in the prosthetics domain. Makers Hive Innovations, founded by Pranav Vempati, Harsha, and Suren in 2018, has identified and addressed this gap. The Hyderabad-based startup is making waves with its pioneering work in prosthetics.
Makers Hive is driven by a mission to support both Indian and global individuals in overcoming their daily challenges with innovative solutions. The company has created India’s first fully functional bionic hand, KalArm, inspired by former President Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam. KalArm is a fully functional, customizable, affordable, and mobile app-enabled bionic hand that transforms users from being disabled to futuristically abled. The device is 3D-printed, lightweight, and equipped with EMG sensors. It offers 18 predefined grips and comes in three palm sizes—Small, Medium, and Large—with customizable colors for the outer shells and panels.
KalArm is supported by a mobile app that monitors performance, health, and functionality, offering modes like Office, Kitchen, Sports, and Lite to enhance user agility. In January 2021, Makers Hive raised $9 million in growth capital from an idea-stage fund established by Starfish Growth Partners and Investpad. The funds will be used to streamline research and development, scale production, and optimize their go-to-market strategy.
The founders’ commitment to bridging this gap is evident in their flagship product and their plans to develop above-elbow solutions and exoskeletons for medical and defense applications, which are currently in development.