Samantha Payne: Revolutionizing Bionic Prosthetics Through Innovation and Inclusion
How a Visionary Leader is Making Advanced Prosthetic Technology Accessible Worldwide
Samantha Payne and the Birth of Open Bionics
Samantha Payne emerged as a transformative figure in healthcare and technology when she co-founded Open Bionics in 2014. Partnering with roboticist Joel Gibbard, Payne turned a vision of inclusive, accessible prosthetic technology into a groundbreaking reality. Her journey from tech journalist to MedTech pioneer is not just inspiring—it’s reshaping lives globally.
Open Bionics was launched from the Bristol Robotics Laboratory incubator with the mission to create affordable bionic limbs using cutting-edge 3D scanning and printing. This approach disrupted the prosthetics market by offering multi-functional, personalized limbs at a fraction of traditional costs, empowering users—especially children—to regain independence and confidence.
Quick Bio
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Samantha Joanne Payne MBE |
| Nationality | British (English) |
| Birthplace | Knowle West, Bristol, England |
| Education | Whitworth University; MIT Sloan (executive) |
| Known For | Co-founder of Open Bionics |
| Major Innovation | Hero Arm – 3D-printed, multi-grip prosthetic |
| Awards | MBE, Forbes 30 Under 30, MIT Innovator |
| Company Focus | Affordable, user-centered bionic limbs |
Education and Early Professional Journey
Before entering the prosthetics field, Samantha Payne cultivated a strong foundation in communication and critical thinking. She studied at Whitworth University in the United States and later attended MIT Sloan’s executive education program. These experiences gave her a diverse skill set and a global outlook on entrepreneurship and innovation.
Her early career as a technology journalist played a crucial role in shaping her path. While covering a story on robotics innovation in 2013, Payne met Joel Gibbard. This meeting sparked a collaboration that would eventually revolutionize the prosthetic industry. Her storytelling skills transitioned into vision-driven leadership as she joined forces to launch Open Bionics.
From Journalism to Entrepreneurship
The transition from journalism to entrepreneurship wasn’t accidental—it was purpose-driven. Payne saw the need for empathetic, inclusive, and scalable solutions in healthcare technology. She was inspired not only by the technical possibilities but also by the human impact of prosthetic accessibility.
Her storytelling background allowed her to communicate Open Bionics’ mission effectively, attracting early attention, funding, and public support. Under her guidance, the company began winning innovation awards and international recognition. Samantha’s leadership focused on putting users at the center of the design process, ensuring every product was both functional and emotionally empowering.
The Hero Arm: Affordable, Functional, and Fun
The flagship product of Open Bionics, the Hero Arm, is a multi-grip, lightweight, 3D-printed prosthetic designed for below-elbow amputees. Controlled via EMG sensors and featuring rotating wrists and customizable covers, it offers advanced functionality with engaging personalization.
Thanks to partnerships with brands like Disney, Marvel, and Star Wars, the Hero Arm isn’t just a tool—it’s a source of pride. Children and adults alike can choose covers that reflect their identity and preferences. Samantha Payne championed this approach to turn prosthetics into empowering devices, not just medical necessities.
Commitment to Inclusion and Representation
Samantha Payne has always emphasized diversity and inclusion. Under her leadership, Open Bionics achieved a 50:50 gender ratio in its engineering team—a remarkable feat in a typically male-dominated field. She believes innovation thrives when voices from all backgrounds are involved in the design process.
Her inclusive hiring practices and ethical business philosophy set a strong example across the tech and healthcare industries. By prioritizing equity, she created a culture where everyone—whether engineer or end-user—feels empowered to contribute to life-changing technology.
Global Impact and Clinical Expansion
Under Payne’s direction, Open Bionics expanded its reach across the UK, EU, and USA. Clinics in major cities such as London, Denver, New York, and Los Angeles now provide fittings and follow-up services for Hero Arm users. This global availability has helped thousands of amputees access advanced prosthetics affordably.
In 2025, the company launched the Hero Pro and Hero RGD, waterproof and wireless models designed to offer even more flexibility and resilience. These innovations further reinforced Samantha Payne’s legacy as a forward-thinking leader committed to continuous improvement.
Awards and Global Recognition
Samantha Payne’s contributions have earned her numerous accolades. She was named one of MIT Technology Review’s ‘Innovators Under 35’ and featured on the Forbes 30 Under 30 list for science and healthcare. She also received the James Dyson Award for UK engineering innovation and was honored as a Wired Innovation Fellow.
In 2020, she was appointed Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for services to accessible bionic technology. These honors reflect not only her technological contributions but also her deep commitment to social good.
Driving Change in MedTech and Beyond
Samantha Payne’s work has redefined what prosthetic devices can and should be. By integrating affordability, functionality, and emotional design, she has expanded the narrative around disability and empowerment. Open Bionics continues to invest in new technologies, including upper-arm solutions and rehabilitation exoskeletons.
Her success serves as a model for how entrepreneurial spirit, combined with compassion and creativity, can build sustainable businesses that improve lives. Samantha Payne proves that innovation is not just about invention—it’s about inclusion, empowerment, and access.
Conclusion
Samantha Payne has reshaped the landscape of assistive technology. From her early days as a journalist to co-founding one of the most innovative MedTech companies in the world, she has never lost sight of her mission: to make life-changing technology accessible to those who need it most. Her journey is a testament to the power of vision, empathy, and determination in driving real-world impact.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What is Samantha Payne known for?
A: She is known for co-founding Open Bionics and creating the Hero Arm, an affordable 3D-printed bionic hand.
Q2: What makes the Hero Arm different from traditional prosthetics?
A: It’s lightweight, multi-functional, highly customizable, and much more affordable, costing around £5,000 compared to £60,000 for traditional options.
Q3: How has Samantha Payne promoted inclusion in her work?
A: She emphasized diversity in hiring, achieved gender parity in her engineering team, and engaged directly with prosthetic users in the design process.
Q4: What awards has she received?
A: Samantha Payne has received an MBE, Forbes 30 Under 30 honors, and recognition from MIT Technology Review and Wired.
Q5: Where is Open Bionics currently operating?
A: The company operates in the UK, EU, and USA, with clinics offering Hero Arm fittings and support in cities across all three regions.
