---
title: "Open Bionics fits first 3D printed full-length bionic arm"
url: https://www.voxelmatters.com/new-york-amputee-becomes-first-recipient-of-3d-printed-full-length-bionic-arm/
date: 2026-05-19
modified: 2026-05-18
lang: en
author: "Joseph Caron-Dawe"
description: "Praveen Gowtham, a 43-year-old physicist from New York, has become the first person in the world to be fitted with a full-length, 3D printed bionic arm for above-elbow amputees. The..."
categories:
  - "Medical AM"
  - "Personalized Medicine"
  - "Prosthetics"
tags:
  - "future"
image: https://www.voxelmatters.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Open-Bionics-ful-length-3D-printed-arm-03-640x400.jpg
word_count: 404
---

# Open Bionics fits first 3D printed full-length bionic arm

Praveen Gowtham, a 43-year-old physicist from New York, has become the first person in the world to be fitted with a [full-length, 3D printed bionic arm](https://www.voxelmatters.com/konami-and-open-bionics-release-official-metal-gear-solid-prosthetic-bionic-arm/) for above-elbow amputees. The clinical milestone was made possible by [UK-based prosthetics company Open Bionics](https://www.3dprintingbusiness.directory/company/open-bionics/).

Gowtham, whose arm was amputated eight days after birth following a circulatory complication, spent most of his life without a prosthetic. Immediately after being fitted with Open Bionics' Hero FLEX system, he was able to perform several everyday tasks, including holding his dog's leash with both hands, gripping tools at his workbench, and opening a soft drink can unassisted for the first time.

[![New York amputee becomes first recipient of 3D printed full-length bionic arm](https://www.voxelmatters.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Open-Bionics-ful-length-3D-printed-arm-02-640x400.jpg)](https://www.voxelmatters.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Open-Bionics-ful-length-3D-printed-arm-02.jpg)

[![New York amputee becomes first recipient of 3D printed full-length bionic arm](https://www.voxelmatters.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Open-Bionics-ful-length-3D-printed-arm-01-640x400.jpg)](https://www.voxelmatters.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Open-Bionics-ful-length-3D-printed-arm-01.jpg)

## A year in the waiting

Gowtham contacted Open Bionics after seeing that [prosthetic technology had begun to mature](https://www.voxelmatters.com/3d-printed-biomechanics/), but the Hero FLEX had not yet been adapted for above-elbow amputees. He then waited a year before being fitted.

He reported no perceptible delay between shoulder muscle flexes and the arm's response. “I'm so excited to use this daily. Even giving my dog a treat is easier, and because the whole solution is lightweight, I don't feel the strain on my shoulder,” said Gowtham.

“It's the small day-to-day things. Being able to lift a box off a shelf, open a door without having to put everything down on the floor first, or just be able to open a can of soda.”

## Modular design broadens access

[The Hero FLEX is 3D printed and built around a modular architecture](https://www.voxelmatters.com/open-bionics-investment-bionic-hands/) that allows users to swap between activity-specific attachments and a bionic hand depending on tasks. Gowtham described the system as the lightest prosthetic he had ever worn.

![New York amputee becomes first recipient of 3D printed full-length bionic arm](https://www.voxelmatters.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Open-Bionics-ful-length-3D-printed-arm-04-276x340.jpg)

“You can attach an activity-specific attachment for hobbies or chores like gardening, then clip in a bionic hand for two-handed activities, like walking the dog and carrying a coffee cup,” he said.

Daniel Green, Upper Limb Prosthetist at the Open Bionics New York clinic, said: “Seeing Praveen walk down the street confident, coffee in one hand and dog leash in the other ... is the result of our engineering and clinical teams pushing to bring an already favored solution to a wider limb difference population.”

Samantha Payne, Co-Founder of Open Bionics, added: “Expanding Hero FLEX for above-elbow amputees means this technology is now accessible for the above-elbow amputee community who can most benefit from a lightweight, modular system with advanced bionics. We're thrilled Praveen is the first person to take one home.”