Metacarpal

Overview 

Metacarpal, an innovative startup based in Edinburgh, secured £800,000 in seed funding to accelerate the development of what is believed to be the world’s first mechanical bionic hand. The funding round saw participation from prominent investors including SIS Ventures, Scottish Enterprise, Worth Capital, Oxford Technology, the University of Strathclyde, and Gabriel Investment Syndicate. 

Background 

Founded in 2020 by University of Strathclyde product design engineering graduate Fergal Mackie, Metacarpal was inspired by his personal experience of breaking both wrists in an accident during his final year of studies. This incident sparked his interest in prosthetics and led to the creation of Metacarpal with the mission to improve the quality of life for amputees. 

Innovation and Technology 

Metacarpal has developed a highly functional prosthetic hand that is entirely controlled and powered by body motion, eliminating the need for electronics. This bionic hand combines the practicality of body-powered control with the advanced functionality of a myoelectric prosthetic, offering features such as five-finger motion, variable grips, and adjustable wrist positions. The unique design leverages reactive body-power technology, allowing for individual finger motion, which sets it apart from other prosthetics on the market. 

The Opportunity 

The prosthetics market has predominantly focused on robotic hands, leaving a significant gap for body-powered devices. Metacarpal aims to fill this gap by providing a superior alternative that enhances the acceptance rate of prosthetics. According to the NHS, 26-45% of upper-limb amputees choose not to use any prosthetic devices currently available. The global market for upper limb prosthetics is projected to reach $1.2 billion by 20281. 

Impact and Future Plans 

The seed funding will enable Metacarpal to finalise its product, commence manufacturing, and double its team size to eight. The company’s ultimate goal is to improve the lives of individuals with limb differences by continuing to develop and expand its prosthetic technology. Metacarpal’s body-powered bionic hand is poised to raise the standard of upper-limb prosthetics, offering a functional and aesthetically pleasing solution that users can be proud to wear. 

Vision 

Fergal Mackie anticipates the impact this innovation will have stating: “Metacarpal was established to create a better quality of life for amputees. With the use of truly revolutionary, unique, and disruptive technology, our body-powered bionic hand is raising the standard of upper-limb prosthetics. The success of the seed funding round is a huge milestone for the business, which will enable us to develop our bionic hand into a commercially viable product with the potential to change the lives of prosthetics users. I cannot wait to see the impact that it has.” 

Metacarpal’s pioneering approach to prosthetics, backed by new funding and a clear vision for the future, positions the company as a leader in the development of body-powered bionic hands. By addressing the unmet needs of amputees and leveraging advanced engineering techniques, Metacarpal is set to make a profound impact on the prosthetics industry and the lives of those with limb differences. 

1: Source: Precedence Research 

For more information, visit Metacarpal’s website.