Tilly Lockey, 19, has been at the forefront of prosthetic innovation with UK-based robotics company Open Bionics for nearly a decade. Now, she's the proud owner of their latest bionic arms – this time with hands that can operate when detached from the wearer's body.

"It's just really, really responsive, super fast, super strong to the point where I'm not used to being that strong," Lockey said, adding, "It's pretty crazy."

Lockey – who lost both her hands to meningitis as a toddler – has helped Open Bionics push the boundaries of what is possible, contributing to features such as 360-degree wrist rotation and wireless control, which enhance the user experience significantly.

After four years in development, these advanced prosthetics promise significant enhancements for amputees, offering unprecedented speed and functionality. The new models are twice as fast as existing alternatives and uniquely waterproof, the company says.

Lockey's journey with Open Bionics began when she started wearing the Hero Arms, which provided her with unprecedented functionality for a bilateral amputee. Her continuous feedback to the company has been crucial in the development of the new technology. The Hero PRO prototypes she now wears offer her increased strength and versatility, allowing her to perform tasks like controlling her hand remotely via wireless sensors.

"I can move it around even when it's not attached to the arm. And that's just the same muscle sensors, same way I'd move it as if it were attached, but it doesn't even need to be attached. It could just go on its own missions, which is kind of crazy," Lockey said.

Bristol-based Open Bionics was founded in 2014, and uses 3D printing technology to create their robotic limbs. Its flagship product, the Hero Arm, is renowned for being the world’s first medically approved, 3D-printed, multi-grip bionic hand.

With the introduction of the Hero PRO, users benefit from features like wireless connectivity, enhanced wrist rotation, and improved dexterity. The rugged Hero RGD is designed for challenging environments, offering durability and precision for demanding tasks. Both models incorporate MyoPods, wireless EMG electrodes that read muscle signals to control finger movements, providing amputees with a versatile and seamless experience.

For Lockey, who has gained popularity on social media for her work with amputees and prosthetics, seeing the positive impact the bionic limbs can have is what inspires her.

"Hearing people being proud to show off that difference now rather than having to hide it away ... with this technology, it's like people want to show it off for the first time. And I think that's amazing," she said.

"That's what it's all about."