THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Kumily native Rover C Joseph, who is a fan of sci-fi movies, got into the field of robotics because of the Ironman movie he watched in class eight. After completing electronics engineering, he started working in a software development company. He resigned in 2021 and started a robotics startup called Bendita Bionics. Rover developed a robotic arm called 'Angel Hand' for people who have lost their hands in accidents or have been born amputees. The 'Angel Hand' will help them wear their shirts and glasses without assistance. Bendita Bionics was selected as one of the top six startups at the robotics conclave held in Kochi last week. Rover's childhood friends and Kumali natives Ashiq, Atul Shaji and Ahmad are also part of the startup.
How it works
To fit the robotic arm, the arm's dimensions and weight are first measured. The help of clinics will be sought for this. Even if there is no arm, there are muscle fibers under the skin in that area. Two sensors are attached to the inside of the nylon prosthetic arm, just below the elbow. The sensors pick up the electronic signals that are released when the muscle contracts and expands. In this way, the hand can be opened and closed and the fingers can be moved. Each finger has tiny motors. The prosthesis can be hung on the arm like a shoe on the leg. The robotic arm won't fall off as the arm measurement is done accurately. The prosthesis can be removed when not needed.
Vishnu became turning point
Rover came to know about Vishnu, who was born without a left arm, when the idea of an artificial hand was presented at a clinic in Kochi. The artificial hand was used on Vishnu. When Vishnu said ok, Rover became confident. From that moment Vishnu also joined the team. Sankamesh, a native of Tamil Nadu living in Kochi, is also using Angel Hand. The effort is to bring Angel Hand to more clinics. Vishnu says that although he cannot carry heavy loads, he can do what he could not do in the past without help.
The startup is headquartered in Kumali. Angel Hand was designed in Kumali and manufactured in Bengaluru. An artificial hand costing Rs 12 lakh abroad is sold for Rs 4.5 lakh.