Pakistani prosthetics startup BIONIKS has launched an innovative AI-powered mobile limb factory in Gaza to provide customized prosthetic arms and legs to individuals affected by the ongoing conflict. The Karachi-based company, known for its advancements in orthotics and prosthetics, announced the initiative through its newsletter on Wednesday, emphasizing its mission to leverage technology to create an inclusive world.
Established in 2016, BIONIKS specializes in providing advanced prosthetic solutions, and this latest initiative takes its expertise to one of the world’s most underserved regions. The mobile factory is equipped with cutting-edge artificial intelligence tools that design and produce prosthetic limbs on-site, making it possible to deliver immediate assistance in areas with limited resources.
“We are firm believers in the technology that it can bring revolutionary alterations in the lives,” BIONIKS quoted recently. “By bringing advanced prosthetic way forward strategies and plans directly to those in need, we highly intend to restore independence, mobility, and dignity to the masses whose lives have highly impacted during this crisis.”
Addressing Gaza’s Humanitarian Crisis
The launch of the limb factory is about to emerge on the surface at a moment when Gaza grapples with an unprecedented humanitarian crisis following the worst-ever military of Israel, which began in October 2023. The region has been struggling with limited medical infrastructure, making access to prosthetics and rehabilitation services nearly impossible for many amputees.
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BIONIKS hopes this initiative will act as a lifeline for those who have lost limbs due to the conflict, offering them a chance to regain mobility and independence. By using mobile units, the company ensures that assistance reaches even the most remote and underserved areas of Gaza.
Innovation and Recognition
BIONIKS gained international attention in 2021 when it developed a multi-grip bionic arm for four-year-old Mohammed Sidique, making him the youngest recipient of such an advanced prosthetic. Co-founder Anas Niaz recalled the challenges of designing a bionic arm for such a young child, describing it as a groundbreaking achievement.
“No one in the world has ever been capable of generating or manufacturing a bionic arm for such a young age,” Niaz told Arab News in 2021. “We knew it was nearly impossible, but Mohammed had high hopes to get a bionic arm.”
The lightweight, durable arm allowed Mohammed to perform everyday activities, such as playing and buttoning his shirt, showcasing BIONIKS’ commitment to combining functionality with life-changing innovation.
A Vision for Change
With its mobile limb factory in Gaza, BIONIKS is taking another bold step toward bridging the gap between advanced medical technology and accessibility. The startup’s initiative highlights how technology can be a powerful tool for addressing humanitarian challenges, and been bringing hope and dignity to those affected by conflict.