Two engineering graduates from Kerala, Rover C. Joseph and Ashik Ansary, are redefining assistive technology in India through their startup, Bendita Bionics, which develops lightweight and comparatively affordable bionic hands, motorised elbows and exo-finger systems for people with upper-limb disabilities.
Founded in 2022 with a personal investment of ₹10 lakh, the company was inspired by Rover’s fascination with the integration of technology and the human body after watching superhero films. Their first prototype, tested by an amputee in their neighbourhood, encouraged them to refine the technology further. Today, Bendita Bionics offers a bionic arm priced below ₹5 lakh, significantly lower than many imported alternatives, while focusing on products suited to India’s climatic conditions and everyday needs.
The startup currently generates an annual revenue of around ₹15-20 lakh, has secured ₹12 lakh in funding from Marrowmed founder Dr. Deepu Sebin, and is expanding its reach through hospitals and clinics across the country. The founders say their goal is not merely to build advanced robotics but to restore independence and dignity for people living with limb loss.
Addressing India’s Prosthetics Gap
India’s prosthetics sector continues to face major accessibility challenges, with advanced bionic devices often costing anywhere between ₹8 lakh and ₹25 lakh, placing them beyond the reach of most users. According to Bendita Bionics, nearly one million amputees live in India, yet only a small proportion have access to suitable prosthetic solutions.
Recognising this gap, Rover C. Joseph, an electronics engineering graduate who previously worked as a web developer, joined hands with mechanical engineer Ashik Ansary, who was managing his family’s business, to build practical and affordable alternatives. After investing ₹10 lakh from their savings, the duo launched Bendita Bionics in 2022. Their products are designed in-house and manufactured using a hybrid model involving advanced Multi Jet Fusion (MJF) 3D printing, enabling them to reduce costs without compromising functionality.
The company’s lightweight bionic hand weighs around 400 grams, while its above-elbow system weighs approximately 1.4 kilograms, making both suitable for extended daily use. “We set out to solve these very challenges in the prosthetic and orthotics industry.
We have engineered all our devices for ultimate comfort, high functionality, and ease of control, and we are now witnessing real-life impact,” founder Rover C. Joseph said in an interview with Startup Pedia. Co-founder Ashik Ansary added that the vision from the beginning was to create “simple, practical, lightweight prosthetics” that address real-world challenges rather than adding unnecessary complexity.
From a Neighbourhood Prototype to a Growing Assistive
The idea behind Bendita Bionics originated from Rover’s interest in science fiction and the concept of integrating technology with the human body. Inspired by films such as Iron Man, he began independently researching wearable robotics before sharing the concept with Ashik Ansary, who recognised its potential and joined him as a co-founder.
Their first working prototype was tested by an amputee from their neighbourhood, whose positive experience reinforced their belief that the technology could make a meaningful difference. Since then, the company has expanded its portfolio to include bionic hands, motorised elbows and exo-finger systems that feature multiple grip patterns and manual joystick controls, allowing users to continue operating the devices even when muscle signal performance is affected by factors such as perspiration. Bendita Bionics has so far served more than seven amputees across India and is now working to strengthen partnerships with hospitals and clinics to improve accessibility.
Recently, the startup also received ₹12 lakh in funding from Dr. Deepu Sebin, founder of Marrowmed, to support future growth. Looking ahead, the founders plan to expand into additional assistive technologies, including exosuits for assisted walking, wearable devices for hand paralysis, shoulder-support systems, and eventually advanced robotics beyond prosthetics.
Rover C. Joseph said the company’s long-term ambition is to evolve into a broader robotics enterprise while continuing to improve the lives of people with disabilities through accessible technology.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
Innovation has its greatest impact when it solves everyday challenges that have long remained overlooked. Bendita Bionics demonstrates how locally developed technology can make assistive healthcare more affordable, practical and inclusive for people who are often excluded by high costs and limited access.
While the scale of India’s prosthetics gap demands broader institutional support, stronger healthcare partnerships and wider insurance coverage, initiatives like this highlight the potential of homegrown startups to create meaningful social change.
Making assistive technologies more accessible is not only a question of engineering excellence but also one of dignity, equal opportunity and independent living. As more innovators enter this space, collaborative efforts between entrepreneurs, healthcare providers, policymakers and investors will be essential to ensure that advanced prosthetics are no longer considered a luxury.
How can India further improve access to affordable assistive technology so that every person living with limb loss has the opportunity to regain independence and lead a fuller life?
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