Remember Open Bionics? The company that is on a mission to turning disabilities into superpowers. It is currently working with Japanese video game developer Konami on the development of a 3D printed bionic arm inspired by the Metal Gear Solid (MGS) video game character Venom Snake. 

The story goes that the Phantom Pain would have lost his arm in an explosion. It has been replaced by an iconic red and black bionic arm complete with a wide range of functionalities.

Open Bionics has inspired more than one since they have started this journey and the use of 3D printing remains genuinely impressive here. The process starts with the 3D scan of the limb to create a 3D model, which gets laser sintered in nylon 12. The end-result is a robust prosthesis and an innovative yet comfortable & adjustable socket.

Designed for below-elbow amputees, the additive appendage integrates several features included on the company’s existing series of ‘Hero Arms.’ Open Bionics’ “arms” are acknowledged for their ability to rotate up to 180° and the fact that they behave like a life-like muscle. 

This time, 29-year-old Daniel Melville, who was born without his right hand and has been wearing a Hero Arm for over 3 years, is the very first recipient of the new Metal Gear Solid design.

Takayuki Kubo, President at Konami Digital Entertainment, said: “We’re thrilled to see the iconic Metal Gear aesthetic of Venom Snake and his bionic arm burst out of the screen and come to life, in a dynamic fusion of technology and design that is changing the lives of upper limb amputees all over the world.” 

“This is unbelievable,” said Melville. “It’s everything I’ve ever wanted from a bionic arm. I’m an avid gamer and love Metal Gear Solid so much and to actually have Snake’s arm in real life is just insane.”

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