Ukrainian Startup Unveils Prosthetic Technology for Drone Control

Esper Bionics, a Ukrainian company known for creating advanced bionic prosthetics, has unveiled a groundbreaking system called MARS. Utilizing specialized sensors and artificial intelligence, MARS can interpret muscle movements, allowing prosthetic users to control other devices, including drones.

According to Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Digital Transformation Mykhailo Fedorov, “This technology opens new possibilities for controlling not only prosthetic limbs but also other devices, like drones.”

The MARS system enables precise control through slight shifts in muscle tension, making movement feel more natural and responsive. For instance, users can direct a drone’s motion by adjusting the position of their prosthetic limb, similar to maneuvering a computer mouse.

Esper Bionics has already begun testing prototypes and plans a full market release for MARS in 2025. The company, part of Ukraine’s Brave1 defense cluster, initially gained global recognition in 2022 when it was featured by Time magazine as one of the year’s top 200 inventions.

Esper Bionics' MARS technology is expected to broaden the capabilities of prosthetic users, with potential applications in various high-tech and defense sectors.