19-year-old receives world’s first mind-controlled wireless bionic hands
When Tilly Lockey was just 15 months old, she contracted meningitis—a life-threatening illness that led to the amputation of both her hands. But that wasn’t the end of her story—it was just the beginning of an extraordinary journey that would see her become a symbol of hope, innovation, and futuristic technology.
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| Tilly Lockey at the Singularity Summit held in the Netherlands in 2016 /. Image Credit: Flickr |
Now 19 years old, Tilly has just made history as the first person in the world to receive the most advanced wireless bionic hands, controlled by her thoughts. These next-generation prosthetics, called Hero Pro hands, represent the cutting edge of robotics—designed not just for function but to empower and transform lives.
From Elastic Bands to Wireless Bionics
Tilly’s journey with prosthetics began at just two years old with a very basic device: a tube-like prosthetic with three prongs, moved by strings connected to a body harness. It lacked technology and finesse—but it was a start.
Since then, she’s been part of the development of prosthetic design, and her experiences have directly influenced the development of newer models. “I’ve seen the evolution of prosthetics first-hand,” Tilly says. “They’ve gone from something that just sort of existed on my arm to something that feels like an extension of me.”
The Hero Pro: Built with Mind, Muscle, and Heart
The Hero Pro bionic arms, the creation of robotics engineer Joel Gibbard, a co-founder of Open Bionics, are made of 3D-printed lightweight materials that are muscle-operated. But their magic lies in the wireless technology and intelligent design.
Controlled by two muscle sensors, Tilly can now open and close the hand, cycle through grip modes, and even fine-tune pressure strength—allowing her to hold something as delicate as an egg or something as firm as a water bottle. “They’re twice as fast and twice as strong,” she explains, laughing about learning to control her new super-strength.
In an almost science-fiction-like moment during the interview, Tilly demonstrated how the hand can function even when detached from her arm—still operating via wireless connection and muscle command. "It can even do little tasks for me when I can’t be bothered," she jokes.
From Lego to Life-Changing Tech
For Joel Gibbard, the journey began with a love of Lego and electronics and a vision to make prosthetics more accessible and practical. “There were a lot of cool prosthetics in research, but people weren’t actually getting them. We wanted to change that,” he explains.
The Hero Pro arms are not just futuristic—they’re available now on the NHS, designed with input from both users and NHS prosthetists to ensure they're not just high-tech, but also affordable and accessible.
What's Next for Tilly and Bionic Tech?
Tilly, who has become a social media star and advocate for tech accessibility, says this is just the beginning. With customization options, color choices, and advancing capabilities, bionic limbs are becoming more personal—and more powerful—than ever before.
As Tilly continues to break barriers and inspire millions, one thing’s clear: she’s not just wearing bionic arms—she’s redefining what it means to be human.
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