We share how a decade of soft robotics, open APIs, and relentless iteration turned a 3D-printed prototype into a durable, touch-sensing bionic hand used by amputees and robots. Stories of failure, funding, and firsts reveal how speed, sensation, and design choices translate to real lives and real factories.• early 3D printing wins and durability limits• shift to soft robotics, silicone overmolding, carbon fiber reinforcement• founding spark, Ecuador trial, and move from academia to company• SBIR lifeline, failed crowdfunding, then coverage and clinical validation• speed, grip force, and touch sensors compared with the market• open API for control and data streaming in minutes• robotics crossover in automotive and research labs• access initiatives via the Ability Fund and global impact• manufacturing scale plans and ethical boundaries• practical founder habits, grit, and advice to start nowPlease listen to the disclaimer at the end of this podcastShow notes: https://3dheals.com/aadeel-akhtar-bionic-hands-for-humans-and-robots-the-psyonic-story/YouTube: https://youtu.be/mDVMRhjXr0w?si=qoZrScjaC6nbiPMJAbout our guest:Dr. Aadeel Akhtar, CEO of PSYONIC, founded the company to create advanced, accessible bionic limbs after meeting a young girl in Pakistan who was missing a limb. PSYONIC's bionic Ability Hand is the fastest on the market, impact-resistant, and the first to provide a sense of touch. It is also covered by Medicare and is being used by humans and robotics companies globally, including NASA, Meta, Mercedes, and Google. Dr. Akhtar earned a Ph.D. in Neuroscience and an M.S. in Electrical & Computer Engineering from the University of Illinois, along with a B.S. in Biology and an M.S. in Computer Science from Loyola University Chicago. He’s been recognized by MIT Technology Review and Newsweek and secured a 3-shark deal on Shark Tank. Send a textSupport the showSubscribe to our premium version and support the show. Follow us: Twitter Instagram Linkedin 3DHEALS WebsiteFacebookFacebook GroupYoutube channelAbout Pitch3D