Aadeel Akhtar, synonymous with innovation in bionics, is the CEO and founder of PSYONIC, a company dedicated to developing advanced yet affordable prosthetics. Driven by a childhood encounter with a young girl missing a limb, Akhtar’s passion lies in ensuring everyone has access to life-changing technology.
Born in 1987, Akhtar’s curiosity was sparked at a young age. Witnessing the disparity in opportunities due to a lack of resources fueled his desire to bridge the gap. This social conscience and academic brilliance led him to pursue a Ph.D. in Neuroscience and a Master’s degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.
Akhtar’s doctoral thesis focused on creating a closed-loop system for upper limb prosthetics. This meant developing intuitive control mechanisms, allowing users to interact with their environment more naturally. He envisioned prosthetics that mimicked movement and provided sensory feedback, a crucial aspect often missing in traditional artificial limbs.
In 2015, Akhtar channeled his research into action by founding PSYONIC. The company’s mission was clear: to create advanced prosthetics accessible to a broader population. Traditional prosthetics were often expensive and lacked features like sensory feedback. PSYONIC aimed to disrupt this market by offering innovative solutions at a more affordable price.
Akhtar’s dedication and expertise yielded the groundbreaking Ability Hand. This revolutionary prosthetic hand boasted several vital features. First, it offered exceptional talent, allowing users to control all five fingers with remarkable speed and precision. Second, unlike many other delicate prosthetics, the Ability Hand was built to withstand daily wear and tear. Most importantly, Akhtar’s focus on sensory feedback came to life in the Ability Hand. The prosthetic incorporated features that allowed users to experience a sense of touch, a crucial aspect for regaining control and improving overall agility.
Akhtar’s achievements haven’t gone unnoticed. In 2021, he was recognized by MIT Technology Review as one of their “35 Innovators Under 35.” He was also featured in Newsweek’s “America’s 50 Greatest Disruptors,” a testament to the transformative power of his work.
Beyond the accolades, Akhtar’s valid reward lies in empowering individuals with advanced prosthetics. PSYONIC’s Ability Hand can improve countless people’s lives, allowing them to regain independence and perform everyday tasks more efficiently.
Aadeel Akhtar’s story is one of innovation driven by social responsibility. His unwavering commitment to making prosthetics accessible and advanced is revolutionizing bionics, offering amputees a brighter future worldwide.