The development of bionic prostheses represents a significant step forward in the rehabilitation of amputees, offering the possibility of regaining partial mobility and functionality of the lost limb. Aether Biomedical, a Polish leader in the field of medical robotics, developed the Zeus advanced prosthetic hand, which not only addresses the functional needs of users, but also improves their quality of life by restoring their sense of independence and self-reliance.

Qwerty played a key role in this project, providing a reliable and state-of-the-art membrane keypad for monitoring prosthesis functions such as battery charge status and device communication.

Our collaboration with Aether Biomedical on the Zeus bionic hand is an excellent example of how technology can support rehabilitation goals and provide real support for people with disabilities.

Unique design challenges

Every component in the Zeus bionic hand must work flawlessly and meet high reliability requirements, especially since the prosthesis is heavily used on a daily basis.

Working with Aether Biomedical, we identified some of the most critical requirements that the membrane keyboard we were developing had to meet. With these assumptions, we started the task:

1. Durability and damage resistance – the keyboard must be able to withstand mechanical damage, scratches and daily wear and tear. Long-term operation in demanding conditions requires top-quality materials.
2. Easy operation and intuitive interface – users of a prosthesis need an easy-to-use solution that allows quick access to its most important functions.
3. Adaptation to changing environmental conditions – Zeus prosthesis can be used in various weather conditions, so the keyboard must be resistant to moisture, dust and temperature changes.
4. Accurate monitoring of batteries and prosthesis functions – the keypad must allow prosthesis users to easily access information about the charge level and status of the device, which is essential for planning daily activities and avoiding interruptions in performance.

Meeting all of the above requirements required us to take a comprehensive approach to the design and manufacturing process. Thanks to close cooperation with Aether Biomedical and the tests conducted, we created a solution that not only meets all the established criteria, but also significantly affects the comfort of daily life for those using the Zeus prosthesis.

What technologies did we use?

Thanks to our advanced technological background, we were able to develop a membrane keyboard that fully meets the functional needs of the Zeus prosthesis. We used modern technologies and materials in the production of the keyboard to ensure its high performance and reliability.

Durable materials and protective coatings

The membrane keyboard is made of high-quality polyester foil, which is resistant to external factors. The use of such a material ensures durability and abrasion resistance, while keeping the design lightweight, which is of great importance for the comfort of the prosthesis user.

For additional protection, the keyboard is coated with a special UV coating that protects it from sunlight and other weather conditions.

Intuitive user interface

When designing the interface, we focused on convenience and ease of use. The keys were ergonomically placed to allow the user to navigate through the functions of the prosthesis quickly and effortlessly. The buttons were labelled with symbols that clearly indicate each function, minimizing the risk of misinterpretation.

The entire control system has been designed to be as intuitive and comfortable as possible, so that even those less familiar with modern technology can quickly master operation of the device. With this solution, users can focus on their daily activities instead of spending their attention on the complex operation of the prosthesis.

EMI/ESD shielding technology

To protect the prosthesis from electromagnetic interference (EMI) and electrostatic discharge (ESD), we used EMI/ESD shielding technology. This is extremely important, especially in medical and rehabilitation environments, where various electronic devices can generate interference. Thanks to this technology, the keyboard works stably and reliably.

Optical bonding

Optical bonding, the permanent bonding of the touch panel to the screen, is a technology we used to increase durability and improve image quality. By eliminating air between the layers of the screen, the user can more easily read information in different lighting conditions, and the screen itself is more resistant to shock and mechanical damage.

Effects and conclusions

Thanks to the membrane keyboard from Qwerty, users of the Zeus bionic hand, such as Mr. Peter, whom we had the pleasure of meeting at the rehabilitation equipment fair, can enjoy new capabilities and greater independence every day.

The prosthesis, equipped with our keypad, allows them to operate the device comfortably and provides constant access to information about the battery’s charge status, which is extremely important for daily use.

Improved quality of life

The new solution allows prosthesis users to lead a more active lifestyle. The ability to self-monitor the device has made controlling it more intuitive and predictable.

This allows people with disabilities to use their prosthesis to its full potential without worrying about sudden failures or lack of battery status information.

As Mr. Peter recalls, the bionic hand equipped with our technologies enabled him to integrate more easily into the environment, allowing him to perform many daily activities that were previously inaccessible.

The importance of the project for Qwerty

Working on the bionic hand project was an inspiring experience for our team. The meeting with Aether Biomedical and Mr. Peter reminded us of the value of our work. We realized that our technologies and solutions can make a real difference in the lives of others, which is our motivation to continue improving.

Our membrane keyboards are no longer just a technical solution – they have become part of a life-changing project. It is initiatives like these that drive us to constantly raise the bar and deliver products that meet the highest standards of quality and reliability.

Technology development and cooperation with the medical industry in the future

Our involvement in the Zeus bionic hand project has allowed us to develop competence in the area of technologies that support people with disabilities. We believe that such initiatives can become a standard in the medical and rehabilitation industry. We plan to continue working with companies that bring innovation to the medical sector so that our solutions can further support those in need of modern technology.

We intend to further develop our membrane keyboards to offer even more advanced diagnostic functions, such as power consumption monitoring and service indicators. In the future, we want to implement technologies that allow more complex communication with medical devices, increasing their functionality and customization.

Summary – fruitful partnership with Aether Biomedical

The collaboration with Aether Biomedical on the Zeus bionic hand is a perfect example of how we fulfil our mission – to provide technologies that are not only modern and functional, but also impact people’s lives. We are proud to have developed a membrane keyboard that realistically improves the daily functioning of people using bionic prostheses. Designed with durability, reliability and ergonomics in mind, our products will continue to support people in their daily challenges.

The work on the Zeus bionic hand has opened up new perspectives and reinforced our belief that innovative technologies can be the foundation not only for technical, but also social development.