AUSTIN, Texas (February 2, 2017) – Ottobock announced it has acquired the BeBionic prosthetic products and related business from the British med-tech company Steeper.

“With this expansion, we are continuing on our path of innovation as a technological leader,” said Professor Hans Georg Näder, President of Ottobock HealthCare GmbH.

With the acquisition, Ottobock continues to strengthen its position as a market leader in upper limb prosthetic solutions, with BeBionic’s multi-articulated hand. These products expand Ottobock’s product portfolio and are well positioned alongside Ottobock’s Michelangelo hand.

While the Michelangelo hand features various powerful grip types, the benefit of the BeBionic hand lies in the diversity of gripping patterns such as separate control of the index finger. This makes it easier for users to operate smartphones, tablets and computers.

“The best possible fitting for every user – by taking over the BeBionic hand, we are accommodating a new generation of users,” said Professor Hans Georg Näder.

Mobility of multiple fingers is very important to upper limb patients, and their needs and requirements have continued to change – especially in regards to the increasingly digital working world and recreational environment.

“Integrating BeBionic into our portfolio is another step on our way to future technologies. The possibilities of the user will once again be significantly expanded once the functionality of these hands can be combined with pattern recognition,” stated Professor Hans Georg Näder.

After a brief transition period, distribution of the BeBionic products will be controlled exclusively by Ottobock starting on May 1, 2017.