Shinya Matsuura

Pioneered accessible robotics for disabled communities in Japan

Dr. Shinya Matsuura, a Japanese biomedical engineer, developed the world's first affordable myoelectric prosthetic arm through his startup exiii. His 2013 breakthrough HACKberry prosthetic, utilizing 3D printing and smartphone components, reduced costs from $20,000 to under $500 while offering customizable functionality.

Matsuura's open-source approach disrupted traditional prosthetics manufacturing. By leveraging Android OS and Bluetooth connectivity, users can control individual fingers through muscle sensors and customize grips via smartphone apps. This innovation earned recognition from the World Economic Forum as a Technology Pioneer.

Beyond hardware, Matsuura established the Open Bionics Foundation to share 3D-printable designs globally. His work has empowered amputees in developing nations, with documented cases in Cambodia and Rwanda where users regained agricultural productivity using locally printed prosthetics.