Frequently Asked Questions
What products does Esper offer?
Esper Bionics develops advanced bionic prosthetic hands and supporting technologies for upper-limb prosthetic care.
Its flagship product is the Esper Hand, available in two versions: Esper Hand 1 and Esper Hand 2.
What is Esper Hand 2?
Esper Hand 2 is the next-generation version of the Esper Hand, a multi-articulating myoelectric prosthetic hand developed by Esper Bionics for upper-limb prosthetic care. It is designed for daily use, active routines, stronger durability, water resistance, and app-based clinical configuration.
Esper Hand 2 includes six independent motors, proportional EMG-based control, individual finger control, IPX5 water resistance, stronger aluminum fingers as standard, improved finger pad durability, customizable grip shortcuts, and setup via the Esper+ app.
In which countries is the Esper Hand available?
The Esper Hand is currently available in the United States and Ukraine. Esper Bionics plans to expand availability to Europe and the United Kingdom starting in 2026.
Availability may vary by country, clinic, reimbursement pathway, and prosthetic provider. For country-specific access, contact Esper Bionics directly.
Who is the Esper Hand appropriate for?
Esper Hand is intended for people of different ages with upper-limb differences who can benefit from a myoelectric or bionic hand and have the clinical conditions required for fitting, control, and training.
Final suitability should be assessed by a certified prosthetist or clinical team based on amputation level, residual limb condition, EMG signal quality, socket fit, user goals, and training capacity.
What is the process of obtaining an Esper Hand for patients?
The process of obtaining an Esper Hand usually begins with a doctor’s prescription. After that, the user meets with a certified prosthetist for a detailed evaluation of their anatomy, functional goals, hobbies, lifestyle, and daily needs.
The prosthetist then designs the prosthetic solution, which may include a custom socket, EMG site evaluation, component selection, Esper Hand configuration, and fitting. If insurance approval is required, this step may delay the process.
Once the Esper Hand is delivered, users typically continue with follow-up appointments, control training, adjustments, and practice with daily tasks. The exact timeline can vary depending on the individual, clinical requirements, insurance process, and prosthetic configuration.
What is the difference between Esper Hand 1 and Esper Hand 2?
Esper Hand 2 is the next-generation version of the Esper Hand, built to improve durability, water resistance, energy efficiency, and real-world daily performance.
Compared with Esper Hand 1, Esper Hand 2 includes stronger aluminum fingers as standard, improved IPX5 water resistance for everyday exposure such as rain, handwashing, and dishwashing, more durable finger pads, 30–50% better energy efficiency, and customizable grip shortcuts for faster control. Both versions use six independent motors, while Esper Hand 2 is optimized for heavier daily use and stronger grip performance in larger sizes.
What are the technical specifications of the Esper Hand?
The Esper Hand is a multi-articulating myoelectric prosthetic hand available in two product versions: Esper Hand 1 and Esper Hand 2. Key technical specifications include six independent motors, proportional control, individual finger control, EMG-based operation, compatibility with common prosthetic components, and app-based configuration through Esper+.
For exact dimensions, weight, grip force, connector options, battery specifications, and water-resistance ratings, see the technical specifications pages.
Is Esper Hand 2 a multi-articulating prosthetic hand?
Yes. Esper Hand 2 is a multi-articulating myoelectric prosthetic hand. It uses six independent motors and supports individual finger control, multiple grip options, proportional control, and EMG-based operation.
This means the hand can support more than simple open-and-close movement. The final control experience depends on socket fit, EMG signal quality, electrode placement, configuration, and user training.
How does the Esper Hand work?
The Esper Hand is a myoelectric prosthetic hand. EMG sensors placed on the skin detect muscle signals from the residual limb and translate those signals into hand movements, grip selection, and finger control.
The system supports proportional control, meaning movement speed and grip force can change in response to the strength of the user’s muscle signal. The Esper Hand can also work with COAPT pattern recognition to support more direct access to multiple grips and reduce the need for repeated mode switching.
What control methods does the Esper Hand use?
The Esper Hand primarily uses EMG-based myoelectric control. EMG sensors detect muscle activity from the residual limb and convert those signals into hand movements.
The hand supports proportional control. This allows the user to control speed, force, and grip selection more naturally than simple open-close switching, depending on clinical configuration and training.
Does the Esper Hand support COAPT pattern recognition?
Yes. The Esper Hand, including Esper Hand 2, can integrate with COAPT pattern recognition for more intuitive multi-grip control.
Pattern recognition helps interpret multiple muscle-signal patterns, enabling faster, more direct grip selection. Suitability depends on the user’s EMG signal quality, residual limb condition, socket fit, and prosthetist setup.
Is the Esper Hand waterproof? What is the IP rating?
Esper Hand 2 is water-resistant, not fully waterproof. It is rated IPX5 for everyday water exposure such as rain, handwashing, and dishwashing, but it is not designed for swimming or full submersion.
Esper Hand 1 has an IP34 rating, which allows limited protection against splashes and dust. Users should follow care instructions and avoid prolonged or high-pressure water exposure.
What daily activities can be performed with the Esper Hand?
The Esper Hand is designed to support common daily activities such as typing, using a smartphone, eating with utensils, holding objects, carrying groceries, drawing or painting, and performing household tasks.
Esper Hand 2 is also designed for more demanding routines where durability, grip reliability, and water resistance matter. Real-world performance depends on the user's amputation level, socket comfort, control setup, training, and activity type.
Can the Esper Hand be used for typing and touchscreens?
Yes. The Esper Hand is designed to support computer and smartphone use, as well as any touchscreen- or capacitive-touch-enabled device.
Typing and touchscreen performance depend on the selected grip, finger setup, control method, sensor tuning, and user training. A prosthetist can help configure the hand for office work, phone use, and other digital tasks.
Can the Esper Hand be used for sports, gym workouts, or active daily life?
Esper Hand 2 is designed for active daily use and more demanding activities, including routines where durability and grip reliability are important. It can support activities such as carrying heavier objects, sports training, and active household use when clinically appropriate.
The Esper Hand is a prosthetic medical device, so activity limits should always be discussed with a clinical team. Water exposure, impact, load, and socket fit should all be considered before high-intensity use.
What materials is the Esper Hand made of?
The Esper Hand is made from durable, medical-grade materials selected for strength, flexibility, and everyday use. Materials include aluminum, polyoxymethylene plastic, fluoroplastics, nylon, steel, titanium, bronze, and several types of silicone.
Esper Hand 2 uses stronger aluminum fingers as standard to improve impact and daily wear resistance.
What sizes is the Esper Hand available in?
The Esper Hand is available in two standard sizes: Small (S) and Large (L). These sizes are designed to cover most adult users and some pediatric cases, depending on clinical evaluation.
Exact dimensions are available on the technical specifications page.
Is the Esper Hand compatible with third-party components?
Yes. The Esper Hand is designed for flexible integration with many third-party prosthetic components, including compatible EMG sensors, batteries, and control systems.
Connector options may include quick-disconnect wrist or short wrist configurations, depending on the prosthetic setup. Compatibility should be confirmed by a prosthetist before fitting.
I currently use another myoelectric hand—can I switch to the Esper Hand?
Yes. Users of other myoelectric hands can often switch to the Esper Hand because it is designed to work with standardized prosthetic wrist and connector systems used in upper-limb prosthetic sockets.
A certified prosthetist should still evaluate socket fit, connector compatibility, EMG signal quality, electrode placement, and control setup before switching. In some cases, the transition may require sensor tuning, app-based configuration through Esper+, and user training.
What level of amputation does the Esper Hand support?
The Esper Hand can serve as the terminal device in upper-limb prosthetic configurations for amputations above the wrist, including wrist disarticulation, transradial amputation, transhumeral amputation, and shoulder disarticulation.
For higher-level amputations, it can be integrated with clinically appropriate elbow systems, wrist rotators, and other prosthetic components. Final compatibility depends on the user’s residual limb, socket design, EMG signal quality, control strategy, and overall prosthetic configuration.
Is the Esper Hand suitable for transradial amputees?
Yes. The Esper Hand can be suitable for people with transradial, or below-elbow, amputations when the residual limb, socket design, and EMG signal quality support myoelectric control.
For transradial users, a comfortable socket, stable electrode contact, and reliable muscle signals are especially important.
What factors should clinicians consider before recommending the Esper Hand?
Clinicians should evaluate the user's amputation level, residual limb condition, EMG signal quality, socket comfort, activity goals, durability needs, water exposure, training capacity, and access to service support.
Socket fit, electrode placement, control setup, training, and follow-up adjustments can affect daily outcomes as much as the terminal device itself.
What customization options are available?
The Esper Hand offers functional customization. Users can choose swappable palm covers, while clinicians can configure grip settings, sensor tuning, shortcuts, and control parameters through the Esper+ app.
At the moment, fingers are available in black. Additional color options and Esper's own cosmetic glove solution are planned.
Is there an app to control or configure the Esper Hand?
Yes. The Esper+ app is available on iOS and Android and supports Esper Hand setup, personalization, and training.
The app allows grip editing, sensor tuning, settings backup, muscle training, and Bluetooth-based adjustments. The hand can operate independently after setup, while the app helps clinicians and users personalize the hand and adjust settings over time.
Does the Esper Hand offer partial-hand or individual-finger solutions?
No. The Esper Hand is a full-hand prosthesis and is not designed as a partial-hand or individual-finger prosthetic solution.
Users who need partial-hand or finger-level prosthetic restoration should consult a prosthetist about alternative devices designed specifically for partial-hand cases.
What training is provided for prosthetists installing an Esper Hand?
Prosthetists receive guidance on the Esper system, including app integration, EMG sensor setup, configuration, and support resources.
No extensive special training is required beyond standard prosthetic knowledge, but successful fitting depends on correct socket design, EMG optimization, and user training.
Is specialized equipment required for setup?
Standard prosthetic fitting equipment is usually sufficient. The setup requires compatible EMG sensors, such as Esper MyoUnit or supported third-party EMG sensors, and the Esper+ app for sensor tuning and configuration.
A certified prosthetist should perform fitting, setup, and training.
How long does the battery last, and how long does it take to recharge?
The Esper Hand battery is designed to support at least 24 hours of active daily use on a single charge. A full recharge takes up to 5 hours.
Actual battery life depends on grip force, frequency of use, wireless features, control settings, and daily activity level.
What regular maintenance does the Esper Hand require?
Regular maintenance includes daily charging, cleaning the hand with a soft damp cloth, keeping sensors and connectors clean, and installing app updates when needed.
Users should avoid alcohol-based cleaning products, full submersion, and prolonged exposure to water.
How often does the Esper Hand need servicing?
Routine service is typically recommended every 1–2 years, depending on use, activity level, and clinical guidance.
The Esper Hand has a modular design that simplifies repairs and part replacements.
Are replacement parts available?
Yes. Modular replacement parts, such as fingers, palms, and covers, are available through Esper partners or support channels.
Availability and replacement timelines may vary by region, partner clinic, and part type.
What warranty coverage is provided?
The standard Esper Hand warranty covers manufacturing defects for 2 years. Extended warranty options may be available depending on the region, agreement, and configuration.
Warranty coverage should be confirmed during the fitting, purchase, or reimbursement process.
What support options are available after purchase?
Esper provides post-delivery support for prosthetists and users through technical assistance, app-based resources, tutorials, and clinician partnerships.
Support may include setup guidance, troubleshooting, configuration help, service requests, and replacement-part coordination depending on the user's region and provider.
How much does the Esper Hand cost?
The cost of the Esper Hand depends on the country, configuration, clinical provider, socket, components, warranty options, and reimbursement pathway.
Esper Bionics positions the Esper Hand as a competitively priced advanced bionic prosthetic hand. For a personalized quote, contact Esper Bionics directly.
Is the Esper Hand covered by insurance in the United States?
The Esper Hand may be covered by some US insurance providers when it meets medical necessity requirements for a multifunctional upper-limb prosthesis.
Coverage depends on the insurer, plan, documentation, prescription, prosthetist evaluation, and prior authorization process. Users should confirm eligibility with their insurer and clinical provider.
What are the medical necessity criteria for insurance coverage?
Medical necessity typically requires an upper-limb amputation and a documented functional need for a multifunctional myoelectric prosthetic hand.
Insurers may request a clinical evaluation, prosthetist documentation, activity goals, prior prosthetic history, and justification for a multi-articulating hand. PDAC approval and the L6880 code can support the reimbursement process, but they do not guarantee coverage.
What should patients ask before choosing a bionic hand?
Patients should ask about socket comfort, EMG signal quality, grip control, battery life, weight, durability, water resistance, repair timelines, warranty, local service access, and insurance coverage.
The best prosthetic hand is not always the one with the most features. Daily success depends on the full prosthetic system: the hand, socket, sensors, control setup, training, and support from the prosthetic team.
Which HCPCS billing code applies to the Esper Hand?
The primary HCPCS code for the Esper Hand is L6880, used for an electric hand, switch-controlled or myoelectric-controlled, with independently articulating digits.
Billing and reimbursement should be handled by the clinical provider in accordance with the user’s insurance plan and medical documentation.
