A Nigerian prosthetics company, Immortal Cosmetic Art, has developed a new bionic arm designed to help amputees regain movement and confidence. The innovation, called the Ubokobong Bionic Arm, responds to signals from a user’s muscles and produces natural movements such as gripping and holding objects.
The arm is also designed to match darker skin tones, a feature often missing in prosthetics available in the market. According to the company, this makes the device not only functional but also more natural in appearance, giving users a stronger sense of identity.
The idea behind the project came from the personal experience of the founder, John Amanam Sunday. His younger brother, Ubokobong, lost his fingers in a fireworks accident and could not find prosthetics that were realistic or effective. This inspired Sunday to begin producing cosmetic limbs in 2017. For three years the company focused on lifelike prosthetics that improved appearance but did not provide function. Building on that foundation, Immortal Cosmetic Art has now created a fully functional bionic arm.
Although the Ubokobong Bionic Arm has not yet been officially launched, it has already generated interest both in Nigeria and abroad. The company has received orders from potential users in the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia and Ghana.
Cost remains a major barrier. Prosthetic limbs are often too expensive for most Nigerians. The company says it is seeking partnerships with government agencies and non-profit groups to make the device more affordable and accessible.
Among those waiting for the arm is 25-year-old cosmetologist Gift Usen. She was born with only one fully developed hand and said she has lived with both physical and emotional challenges. She explained that daily activities are difficult and sometimes draw unwanted attention. Usen said she is eager to use the bionic arm and believes it will change her life.
Immortal Cosmetic Art’s invention is seen as a significant step for locally developed technology in Africa. It shows how innovation can grow out of personal challenges and create solutions that fit local needs. If made widely available, the Ubokobong Bionic Arm could transform the lives of many amputees in Nigeria and across the continent.
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