Ukrainian-American startup Esper Bionics has released an update to its Esper+ mobile app, adding a new Power Grip feature for the Esper Hand 2 bionic prosthesis. The feature allows users to temporarily increase the device’s grip strength by 67% directly through the app when performing tasks that require additional physical effort, the company announced on social media.
Power Grip is designed for situations where standard grip strength is insufficient, such as holding heavy objects or exercising. According to tests conducted with the Esper Hand Large model, the feature significantly increases grip strength, although the developers advise against using it continuously. Operating in the enhanced mode requires more power and therefore drains the battery faster.
The developers demonstrated the update using the second-generation Esper Hand 2. The model features IPX5 water resistance, stronger aluminium fingers as standard and optimised power consumption, providing longer battery life compared with the first-generation version. All of the prosthesis’s fingers are compatible with touchscreens.
Power Grip is controlled through the Esper+ mobile app, which connects to the prosthesis via Bluetooth. The platform allows users and prosthetists to train muscle signals, monitor muscle activity, configure sensors and select control modes.
The Esper Hand 2 supports eight standard grip patterns, including precision pinch, lateral grip, bottle grip, cutlery grip and press. Users can also create, edit and save up to 24 customised control modes.
