British Company Fits Santa with Bionic Arm
Mike Tindall, a professional Santa, is no stranger to creating magical moments for children.
But this year will be extra special as he delivers presents to children with his bright red bionic hand. The 67-year-old from Tennessee lost his left hand and forearm in a workshop (not Santa’s!) accident. The retired veteran spent years looking for a device to help him during the busy festive season.
“I’ve been looking for something that can help me hand out presents, accept letters, and meet families,” said Mike. He found the solution in the Hero Arm, an advanced, 3D-printed, multi-grip bionic arm. The device fits Mike like a glove with sensors that read and convert his muscle movements into prosthetic movements.
After recovering from surgery and rebuilding his life he followed his passion and became a professional Santa Claus with support from his wife who is also a Mrs. Claus. “When I first saw the red design, I knew it was perfect—it matches my Santa suit!” Mike admires. “I really appreciate the simplicity of controlling the arm. It’s lightweight and so much more comfortable than what I’ve used before. I love how easy it is to switch between grips without any hassle.”
Only an hour after being fitted with his Hero Arm at the Open Bionics clinic in Austin, Texas, Mike set off on his Santa duties. Before he checked his Naughty and Nice list, his first action was to hold a cup of hot chocolate and dunk a cookie. Then he began to unload presents from his Santa sack.
When asked about the reaction he has had from children, Mike explained: “When the kids saw the light flashing on my bionic arm I told them it’s a Santa tracker for Mrs. Claus so she can see where I am. They thought it was so cool.”
Samantha Payne, co-founder of Open Bionics, the company behind the Hero Arm, expressed her excitement: “Getting to help Santa with his mission to deliver joy and merriment for children during the Holidays has been so much fun. We’re so glad the Hero Arm has been able to help Santa with all his two-handed tasks and preparations. Hopefully, we’re on the Good list this year.”
Open Bionics uses innovative technologies such as 3D printing and 3D scanning to ensure each Hero Arm is custom-built and bespoke to the user.
Upper limb amputees interested in getting a Hero Arm can register at OPEN BIONICS where the team will determine eligibility and arrange an assessment.
“I’ve been looking for something that can help me hand out presents, accept letters, and meet families,” said Mike. He found the solution in the Hero Arm, an advanced, 3D-printed, multi-grip bionic arm. The device fits Mike like a glove with sensors that read and convert his muscle movements into prosthetic movements.
After recovering from surgery and rebuilding his life he followed his passion and became a professional Santa Claus with support from his wife who is also a Mrs. Claus. “When I first saw the red design, I knew it was perfect—it matches my Santa suit!” Mike admires. “I really appreciate the simplicity of controlling the arm. It’s lightweight and so much more comfortable than what I’ve used before. I love how easy it is to switch between grips without any hassle.”
Only an hour after being fitted with his Hero Arm at the Open Bionics clinic in Austin, Texas, Mike set off on his Santa duties. Before he checked his Naughty and Nice list, his first action was to hold a cup of hot chocolate and dunk a cookie. Then he began to unload presents from his Santa sack.
When asked about the reaction he has had from children, Mike explained: “When the kids saw the light flashing on my bionic arm I told them it’s a Santa tracker for Mrs. Claus so she can see where I am. They thought it was so cool.”
Samantha Payne, co-founder of Open Bionics, the company behind the Hero Arm, expressed her excitement: “Getting to help Santa with his mission to deliver joy and merriment for children during the Holidays has been so much fun. We’re so glad the Hero Arm has been able to help Santa with all his two-handed tasks and preparations. Hopefully, we’re on the Good list this year.”
Open Bionics uses innovative technologies such as 3D printing and 3D scanning to ensure each Hero Arm is custom-built and bespoke to the user.
Upper limb amputees interested in getting a Hero Arm can register at OPEN BIONICS where the team will determine eligibility and arrange an assessment.
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