Compare end-bearing and total surface-bearing sockets to determine the best option for comfort, stability, and mobility in your prosthetic journey.

End-Bearing vs. Total Surface-Bearing Sockets: Which Is Right for You?

If you’re new to wearing a prosthetic limb or thinking about upgrading your current one, you’ve likely heard the terms end-bearing and total surface-bearing sockets. These two designs may sound technical, but they play a huge role in how your prosthetic feels, how well it fits, and how comfortably you can move through your day.

Choosing the right socket isn’t just about the material or the look. It’s about how your body connects with the device. The socket is the part that fits over your residual limb and links it to the rest of the prosthesis. It’s the core of your comfort, movement, and confidence. If it’s not right, nothing else will feel right either.

Before we go into which socket type might be right for you, let’s build a simple understanding of what these terms really mean. Many people get confused by the medical jargon. But if you think of it as a design choice based on how your body carries weight and pressure, it becomes easier to follow.

Understanding the Basics of Socket Design

Before we go into which socket type might be right for you, let’s build a simple understanding of what these terms really mean. Many people get confused by the medical jargon.

But if you think of it as a design choice based on how your body carries weight and pressure, it becomes easier to follow.

What Is an End-Bearing Socket?

An end-bearing socket is designed to carry the load mostly through the very end of your residual limb. That means when you stand or walk, the pressure is focused on the bottom part of your limb that’s in contact with the end of the socket. It’s a bit like standing on your heel when you wear a shoe.

This kind of socket often has a flatter base or a cushioned end cap. It’s shaped to allow your residual limb to take some pressure directly through the bottom, not just around the sides.

But this type of design doesn’t suit everyone. It depends on how your limb has healed, the shape and softness of the tissue, and whether you can tolerate pressure on the end.

Some people feel very natural using this type. For others, even mild pressure on the end of their stump can feel sharp or painful.

End-bearing sockets were more commonly used in earlier prosthetic designs. They still have value today, but are usually recommended when someone has a well-healed, conically shaped limb with good tissue padding at the end.

Surgeons sometimes even shape the bone and tissues during amputation in a way that favors this socket style.

What Is a Total Surface-Bearing Socket?

Now imagine instead of putting weight on one spot, you spread it out across the entire surface of your residual limb. That’s the idea behind a total surface-bearing socket.

Rather than focusing pressure just at the end, this design gently distributes it all around. Your limb is hugged by the socket on every side, so no single point carries too much load.

This can feel much more natural for many users. Because the pressure is spread out, you’re less likely to develop sore spots or pressure points. It’s a bit like how a well-fitted backpack distributes weight over both shoulders and your back, instead of pulling down on just one strap.

Total surface-bearing sockets have become more common in recent years, especially for people with below-knee or above-knee amputations.

Modern materials and computer-aided design have made it easier to create a shape that evenly matches the surface of your limb.

But this socket style also needs a good fit. If it’s too loose or tight in the wrong places, the even pressure can quickly become uneven. That’s why fitting and fine-tuning with your prosthetist is so important.

Why Socket Choice Matters

You might wonder why so much thought goes into this. Isn’t any socket okay as long as it fits?

Actually, the way your limb carries weight has a direct impact on your comfort, balance, and energy use. A poorly matched socket might cause rubbing, skin breakdown, or constant fatigue. It may force you to walk in an unnatural way, putting stress on your hips, back, or opposite leg.

A good socket, on the other hand, can make you feel like your prosthesis is just another part of you. That’s the goal. To get to a point where you stop thinking about your device every minute and just live your life.

That’s why we spend time looking at how the pressure is spread, where your limb can handle load, and how much movement the socket allows.

Different lifestyles need different things too. A total surface-bearing socket might be better for someone who’s active, walks a lot, or wants smooth, even support.

An end-bearing socket could be a better choice for someone with a shorter residual limb or someone who prefers a more direct connection with their device.

Tissue Tolerance and Limb Shape

One of the key things your prosthetist will look at is tissue tolerance. This simply means how well your skin and soft tissue can handle pressure, friction, and movement.

If your limb has thick, healthy tissue at the end and no sensitivity issues, then end-bearing might be a good fit.

But if your limb is bony, has scar tissue, or feels sore under pressure, a total surface-bearing socket is often the safer choice.

The shape of your limb also matters. A conical shape (wider at the top, narrower at the bottom) tends to suit end-bearing sockets better.

A more cylindrical limb, where the shape doesn’t taper as much, may work better with a total surface-bearing design.

This isn’t something you have to decide alone. Your prosthetist will examine your limb closely, often using imaging tools or casting techniques, to make sure the socket choice fits your needs.

Material and Liner Considerations

The socket is often made of carbon fiber, thermoplastics, or resins. These materials are chosen for their light weight and durability. But they also play a role in how the socket feels against your skin.

In most cases, a soft liner sits between your skin and the hard socket. This liner helps with cushioning, sweat management, and skin protection.

End-bearing sockets might use a thicker pad at the bottom to handle pressure. Total surface-bearing designs may use uniform liners that provide even contact all around the limb.

Some liners also have special grips or suction features that help keep the limb from moving inside the socket. This is especially useful in total surface-bearing sockets, where even small shifts can cause rubbing.

Proper donning (how you put the prosthetic on) becomes more important here. If the liner isn’t worn correctly, the load may not be distributed properly. So training and habit are part of the overall fit.

Now that you understand the basic difference between end-bearing and total surface-bearing sockets, let’s explore how each one affects you in your daily routine. Choosing a socket is more than just a technical decision—it’s about how you feel when you're moving, resting, working, and living your life.

How Each Socket Type Affects Your Day-to-Day Life

Now that you understand the basic difference between end-bearing and total surface-bearing sockets, let’s explore how each one affects you in your daily routine.

Choosing a socket is more than just a technical decision—it’s about how you feel when you’re moving, resting, working, and living your life.

Walking and Standing Comfort

Walking is one of the most important functions your prosthetic will support. With an end-bearing socket, your weight goes mostly through the bottom of your limb. For some people, this offers a more grounded feeling.

It can create a direct connection between your body and the ground, which helps with feedback and stability. But this also means every step carries force into the end of your limb.

If your tissues at the bottom of your residual limb can’t tolerate that pressure, walking might become uncomfortable.

You may find yourself taking shorter steps or shifting weight to your other leg. Over time, this creates an uneven gait, which can lead to back pain, hip discomfort, or fatigue.

A total surface-bearing socket spreads out the pressure, which can feel smoother when you walk. The socket hugs your limb gently, and there’s less of a sharp impact with every step.

Many users say it feels like the socket is part of their leg, not just something they’re strapped into. You might notice better balance and a more natural stride, especially over long distances or uneven surfaces.

When it comes to standing for long periods, total surface-bearing designs often win. Because your weight is shared across your entire limb, you don’t get that sharp, localized ache that end-bearing sockets can cause after a while. This makes a big difference if your job or lifestyle involves lots of time on your feet.

Sitting, Resting, and Flexibility

You might think socket comfort only matters when you’re active, but that’s not true. A good socket should also let you rest comfortably. Some end-bearing sockets are bulkier at the base.

That can make sitting on certain chairs less comfortable. If the socket pushes up into the end of your limb while you’re sitting, it may cause soreness or pinching.

On the other hand, total surface-bearing sockets tend to have a more balanced shape that doesn’t put pressure on any single area.

This means you can relax more naturally without feeling like the socket is digging into you. If you like to sit cross-legged or spend time on the floor, this flexibility matters even more.

Also, some users feel like they have more freedom of motion with a total surface-bearing socket, especially when bending at the knee or hip. It’s not just about the load—it’s about how your body moves and whether the socket moves with you or fights against you.

Long-Term Skin Health and Care

Your skin takes on a lot of stress when wearing a prosthesis. If your socket isn’t right, you may see redness, blisters, or even open sores.

End-bearing sockets concentrate pressure, so they can cause problems if the skin at the bottom of your limb is fragile. Even with good padding, friction can build up.

Total surface-bearing sockets lower this risk by spreading pressure evenly. However, they require very precise fitting.

If there are even small gaps or tight spots, your skin may react. That’s why regular check-ups with your prosthetist are important no matter which type you choose.

Daily cleaning, good hygiene, and attention to fit can make a big difference. If your socket feels different one day—maybe tighter or looser—that might be due to swelling, sweat, or even slight weight changes. The sooner you notice it, the easier it is to adjust before any damage happens.

Adapting Through Rehabilitation

Rehab isn’t just for learning how to walk again. It’s also about learning how to live comfortably with your prosthetic every day. Whether you choose an end-bearing or total surface-bearing socket, you’ll need some time to adjust.

At Robobionics, we encourage a step-by-step process. First, we assess your limb and your goals. Then we let you try different socket types. Through gamified home-based rehabilitation, we help you strengthen your limb, learn better balance, and get used to how the socket feels.

If you’re transitioning from one socket style to another, rehab becomes even more important. The way you shift your weight, how you step, and even how you get out of bed may need small changes.

But these add up. With time, your body learns what to expect, and the socket becomes part of you instead of something foreign.

A good rehab program also helps spot problems early. Maybe you notice discomfort while climbing stairs, or pain when standing up from a low seat. Those clues can help your care team make small tweaks to improve your experience.

Real-Life Examples: What Others Have Experienced

Sometimes, the best way to understand the difference between sockets is to hear from others who’ve lived it.

Take Arjun, a 28-year-old who lost his leg in a road accident. His first socket was end-bearing. At first, he appreciated the solid, direct contact.

But after a few months of standing at his sales job, he started developing sores at the bottom of his limb. After switching to a total surface-bearing socket, he said he felt “less pressure and more balance,” and his skin problems disappeared.

Then there’s Rina, a 46-year-old with a below-knee amputation due to diabetes. Her limb was short and had sensitive tissue at the end.

A total surface-bearing socket made her feel secure and reduced her discomfort. She noted that her walking was smoother and that she could stand longer while cooking.

But not everyone prefers the same. Dev, a farmer in his early 50s, preferred the sturdy feel of his end-bearing socket.

He felt more grounded in the fields and liked the clear sense of control. It’s all about what suits your body, your lifestyle, and your comfort.

Making the right socket choice isn’t just a personal preference. It's a team effort. The role of your prosthetist—your primary prosthetic care provider—is central to this process. They don’t just give you a device and send you on your way. They are your guide, your technician, and your partner throughout your journey.

The Role of Prosthetists and Fit Customization

Making the right socket choice isn’t just a personal preference. It’s a team effort. The role of your prosthetist—your primary prosthetic care provider—is central to this process.

They don’t just give you a device and send you on your way. They are your guide, your technician, and your partner throughout your journey.

The Evaluation Process

Before a socket is even made, your prosthetist spends time evaluating your limb. This includes looking at the shape, skin condition, muscle tone, and overall tissue health. They also ask about your daily routine, your job, your home life, and what goals you have for mobility.

For instance, someone who spends most of their time walking indoors may need different socket support than someone who hikes or plays sports. Even small differences, like how often you drive or kneel down, can influence socket design.

During this stage, the prosthetist might suggest trying both types of sockets, especially if you’re unsure about your preference.

A trial socket lets you walk, stand, and even rest while wearing it. It’s not the final version, but it gives real feedback about how each design feels on your body.

There’s no guesswork here. The better the prosthetist understands your life and your limb, the better your socket will perform.

Creating a Truly Custom Fit

Once a socket type is chosen, the customization begins. Your limb is scanned, measured, or casted to capture its shape exactly.

That mold becomes the base for your socket. Whether it’s an end-bearing or total surface-bearing design, precision is everything.

Even a few millimeters off in pressure or angle can cause big problems later. That’s why prosthetists often do multiple fittings before the final socket is made.

You might try on a test socket and walk with it for a few days. Then it’s adjusted, reshaped, or padded until it feels just right.

For end-bearing sockets, the bottom pad and alignment are critical. The load must be absorbed gently and evenly.

If it’s too harsh, you’ll feel pain with every step. For total surface-bearing sockets, the overall pressure across the limb must be checked to avoid tight spots or friction.

Fitting isn’t a one-time thing. As your limb changes over time—due to healing, weight shifts, or muscle tone—your socket may need adjustments. It’s normal.

That’s why staying in touch with your prosthetist is important, even after the final fitment.

When Socket Design Needs to Evolve

Your first socket may not be your last. It’s very common for socket needs to change over time.

In the early months after an amputation, your limb is still healing. There may be swelling, sensitivity, or changes in shape. A total surface-bearing socket might feel more supportive during this period because of its even contact.

Later, as your limb stabilizes and your skin toughens, you might explore an end-bearing option, especially if you want more feedback and a stronger connection with your prosthesis.

Some users feel more confident using an end-bearing socket when doing high-impact activities or carrying heavy loads.

Also, your lifestyle might change. Maybe you become more active and need better range of motion.

Or maybe age or health conditions shift your needs toward greater comfort and pressure relief. Socket choice is not locked in. It’s flexible, just like your life.

At Robobionics, we believe in adapting your care plan as you grow and change. Whether you started with us or came from another provider, we support you in making these transitions smoothly and comfortably.

Emotional and Psychological Factors

Socket design also plays a role in how you feel emotionally. If a socket is painful or limiting, it can chip away at your confidence.

It’s hard to stay positive when your device keeps reminding you of what’s missing instead of helping you focus on what’s possible.

On the other hand, when a socket feels natural and secure, it can make you feel more independent. You walk with pride. You move without hesitation. You take part in life instead of sitting on the sidelines.

We’ve seen many users come in unsure or frustrated with their current socket. Sometimes they were told to just “get used to it.”

But once they switched to a socket that truly fit them—whether it was end-bearing or total surface-bearing—their entire attitude shifted. They smiled more. They walked taller. They felt human again.

The emotional weight of prosthetic discomfort is real, and it deserves attention. That’s why socket design is about more than anatomy. It’s about dignity, ease, and freedom.

What to Talk About With Your Prosthetist

To get the best socket for you, speak openly with your prosthetist. Don’t hold back about your pain, your frustrations, or your goals. Let them know what a “good day” looks like for you, and what problems stop you from getting there.

Here are some key points to bring up:

  • Where do you feel discomfort after a long day?
  • Do certain movements feel restricted or painful?
  • How easy is it to put on or take off your prosthesis?
  • Are you able to do the activities you want to do?
  • Have you noticed skin changes or swelling?

The more details you share, the more tailored your solution can be. Your prosthetist isn’t just making a device. They’re helping you get your life back. The more they know, the better they can help.

At this point, you’ve seen the full picture—the mechanics, the daily impact, the long-term health effects, and the emotional weight of socket design. But how do you actually make the right decision for yourself?

Making the Right Choice: End-Bearing or Total Surface-Bearing?

At this point, you’ve seen the full picture—the mechanics, the daily impact, the long-term health effects, and the emotional weight of socket design. But how do you actually make the right decision for yourself?

The truth is, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. Every person’s body, goals, lifestyle, and pain tolerance are different. What works beautifully for one person may be frustrating for another.

So, let’s walk through the most important things to consider when choosing between an end-bearing and a total surface-bearing socket.

Start With Your Limb’s Anatomy and Condition

The first thing to understand is the shape and condition of your residual limb. This is the foundation of everything that comes next.

If you have a conical limb with a well-padded end, an end-bearing socket may offer a more direct connection and feel stable, especially for short walking distances or lower-activity lifestyles.

You may appreciate the feedback you get with every step, which gives you a better sense of where your limb is in space.

But if your residual limb is sensitive, has scar tissue, is shorter than average, or lacks padding at the end, total surface-bearing may offer the relief and comfort you need. Instead of forcing all pressure through the bottom, it spreads the weight across your whole limb, reducing the chance of pressure sores or skin breakdown.

If you aren’t sure what shape your limb falls into, don’t worry—this is something your prosthetist will evaluate.

They’ll examine how your tissue responds to gentle pressure and movement, and they’ll help guide you toward the safest and most comfortable option.

Think About Your Lifestyle

Your daily activities matter. Someone who works at a desk most of the day may have different needs than someone who walks long distances, drives a two-wheeler, or carries heavy items.

Let’s say you’re an active person who wants to move a lot and avoid fatigue. A total surface-bearing socket often makes more sense here.

The even pressure helps with endurance and balance. You may notice fewer aches in your back or hips at the end of the day.

On the other hand, if you value stability over long wear-time or just want a socket that gives you a solid, grounded feeling when standing or working in one place, end-bearing could work well.

Some people feel more “anchored” with this style, particularly during short bursts of physical effort.

There’s also your environment to think about. If you’re often in hot, humid weather, skin irritation becomes a bigger concern. That could make total surface-bearing sockets, which sometimes reduce friction better, the right fit.

How Do You Feel When Wearing It?

This may sound obvious, but many people ignore how they feel inside the socket. They try to push through pain, discomfort, or awkward movement, thinking it’s just part of using a prosthetic. But it doesn’t have to be that way.

Once you try a socket, ask yourself:

  • Do I feel stable and balanced?
  • Can I walk without shifting weight unnaturally?
  • Does the socket stay in place all day, or does it slide or rub?
  • Can I wear it comfortably for several hours at a time?
  • How does my skin feel at the end of the day?

These are the questions that matter. A prosthesis should help you move more freely, not hold you back. If you feel like you’re always adjusting it or bracing for pain, something’s off.

This is where a trial period comes in. At Robobionics, we always recommend a demo and test wear session before committing to any final socket design. It gives you the chance to feel what works best without pressure.

Be Open to Adjustment

Socket choice isn’t final. It’s okay to start with one type and then realize it’s not right for you. That’s not a failure—it’s progress.

Your limb may change over time. You might gain or lose weight. The way you walk could shift. Even your confidence and strength levels can evolve. All of these factors might mean you need a different socket down the line.

That’s why it’s good to stay in regular contact with your prosthetist, especially in the first year. At Robobionics, we often see patients every few weeks in the beginning to make sure their socket is doing its job. We check fit, alignment, and comfort, and if things aren’t perfect, we fix them quickly.

It’s better to make small changes early than to let discomfort grow into a big problem.

Cost, Maintenance, and Support

Another factor to consider is how easy it is to maintain your socket. Both end-bearing and total surface-bearing sockets require care, but the way they are adjusted and repaired may differ.

End-bearing sockets sometimes need thicker liners or pads at the bottom, which may wear out faster, especially under high pressure.

Total surface-bearing sockets may need more exact adjustments to maintain full contact, which means regular check-ins are more important.

When you choose a locally made prosthetic, like those from Robobionics, these adjustments can be done faster and at lower cost compared to imported options.

You don’t have to wait weeks for a small part. And because everything is built and maintained through our network of authorized clinics like Omnify Prosthetics, support is just a call away.

This means less downtime, fewer travel headaches, and more confidence that your socket will keep working when you need it most.

As prosthetics continue to evolve, the way sockets are made, fitted, and used is changing quickly too. What once required multiple casting appointments and guesswork is now being replaced with smarter, faster, and more accurate tools. While the choice between end-bearing and total surface-bearing sockets still depends on personal needs, new technology is making it easier to get the perfect fit—no matter the style.

Looking Ahead: How Technology is Changing Socket Design

As prosthetics continue to evolve, the way sockets are made, fitted, and used is changing quickly too. What once required multiple casting appointments and guesswork is now being replaced with smarter, faster, and more accurate tools.

While the choice between end-bearing and total surface-bearing sockets still depends on personal needs, new technology is making it easier to get the perfect fit—no matter the style.

Digital Scanning and 3D Printing

In the past, making a prosthetic socket involved wrapping your limb in plaster and manually shaping a mold. It worked, but it was messy, slow, and sometimes inaccurate.

Now, digital scanning allows prosthetists to take a complete image of your limb in just a few minutes. It captures every curve, every pressure zone, and every sensitive spot.

With this data, a socket can be modeled on a computer with incredible precision. Adjustments can be made instantly—without waiting days for physical changes.

Then, using 3D printing, that exact design can be created using lightweight materials that fit your limb like a second skin.

At Robobionics, we use this process for Grippy™ and our lower limb solutions. It allows us to offer total surface-bearing sockets that are both light and strong, and end-bearing designs that are shaped with pinpoint accuracy. It’s faster, more affordable, and—most importantly—more personal.

You’re not getting a “standard” socket. You’re getting your socket.

Smart Liners and Pressure Monitoring

Another exciting development is the use of smart liners and pressure sensors. These tools can be placed between your skin and the socket to monitor how pressure is being applied across your limb throughout the day.

If one part of your limb is taking on too much pressure, the data will show it. This lets your prosthetist make micro-adjustments that you might not even feel—but your body will definitely thank you for.

For example, if your end-bearing socket is causing hotspots at the base, the prosthetist can reshape or pad that area to even out the force.

If your total surface-bearing socket is too tight on the sides, that can be identified before skin problems appear.

This level of detail allows for a new kind of care—proactive, not reactive. Instead of waiting for problems, we prevent them.

Lighter Materials, Stronger Builds

Both types of sockets used to rely on heavier materials. That meant more strain on your body, especially during long hours of wear. Today, new composite materials like carbon fiber blends and advanced polymers offer strength without the bulk.

This makes total surface-bearing sockets easier to wear all day, and makes end-bearing sockets more durable under load.

Whether you’re walking, climbing stairs, or driving, your socket feels like part of your body—not something you’re constantly aware of.

Even more important, lighter sockets reduce the energy cost of walking. That means less fatigue and more confidence.

The Role of AI in Socket Fitting

Artificial intelligence may seem far from prosthetics, but it’s already making a difference. AI tools can now analyze your limb scans, gait data, and feedback from test wear sessions to suggest the best socket style, shape, and material.

While your prosthetist still makes the final decision, these AI tools act like an extra set of expert eyes. They can see patterns and trends that even trained professionals might miss. This leads to more accurate fits, fewer adjustments, and faster results.

And for users who may not live near a major clinic, remote consultations using AI-based data can help bring advanced care right to your home.

At Robobionics, we’re actively exploring these technologies to bring high-level customization to more people, especially in remote or underserved areas across India.

Gamified Rehabilitation: Adapting With Ease

Even the best socket needs training. That’s why how you adapt to your prosthetic is just as important as how it’s built.

Traditional rehab can sometimes feel repetitive or hard to stay motivated with. That’s why we introduced gamified home-based rehabilitation.

These are simple, interactive activities—sometimes using mobile apps, sometimes using low-tech tools—that help you get stronger and more coordinated without feeling like you’re doing “therapy.”

Whether you’re using an end-bearing socket and learning how to adjust your step, or a total surface-bearing socket and training your balance, this kind of rehab helps you move from just “wearing” your prosthesis to truly using it.

Gamified rehab also teaches your brain to trust the prosthesis. The more you move naturally with it, the more it becomes part of your sense of self. That’s when confidence returns. That’s when daily life starts to feel whole again.

Social Support and Community Learning

You’re not in this alone. One of the best resources when deciding on a socket type—or learning to live with your choice—is the community of other users who’ve been through it.

We always encourage new users to speak with others. Whether it’s at one of our clinics, through support groups, or online communities, hearing real stories can give you the perspective and encouragement you need.

You may find someone who had the same doubts you did. You may learn tips on managing pressure, cleaning your liner, or even finding the right clothes or shoes to match your prosthesis.

These small details aren’t in the manuals, but they matter deeply.

The community helps you stay informed and feel connected. And that emotional support can often make the difference between struggling with a prosthesis and thriving with one.

We’ve explored the difference between end-bearing and total surface-bearing sockets from every angle. From how they fit and function, to how they impact your daily comfort, mobility, and long-term health. Now, it's time to bring all of that knowledge into one clear thought: your socket should make life easier, not harder.

Choosing Comfort, Function, and Freedom

We’ve explored the difference between end-bearing and total surface-bearing sockets from every angle. From how they fit and function, to how they impact your daily comfort, mobility, and long-term health.

Now, it’s time to bring all of that knowledge into one clear thought: your socket should make life easier, not harder.

The Goal Isn’t Just Fit—It’s Freedom

Too often, people focus only on the mechanics of socket design. But the real goal isn’t about materials or pressure distribution alone. It’s about how free and confident you feel when using your prosthesis.

Whether you go with an end-bearing socket that gives you a grounded, responsive feel, or a total surface-bearing socket that offers even support and gentle contact, the real test is how it helps you live your life. You want to forget your prosthesis is even there—not because it’s invisible, but because it just works.

A good socket lets you walk into a room without thinking about how you’re stepping. It lets you sit, stand, move, and rest without pain or worry. It keeps you connected to the world, not stuck in your own head.

Reassess Over Time

What works for you today may not work forever. That’s not a failure. That’s life. Your limb may change shape. Your strength and activity level may go up or down. Your goals may shift.

At Robobionics, we help people transition smoothly when changes happen. We believe prosthetic care isn’t a one-time service—it’s an ongoing partnership. Whether you started with us or came to us later, we’re here to support those updates and upgrades when you need them.

That could mean switching socket types. Or it could mean small adjustments that make a big difference. Either way, the support doesn’t stop after fitment day. It continues through your rehab, your routines, and your recovery.

The Right Socket Respects Your Body

Above all, your socket should respect the shape, strength, and sensitivity of your body. If it pushes too hard, pinches in places, or feels disconnected, your body is telling you something. Listen to that.

An end-bearing socket may work beautifully for someone with a conical limb and strong, tolerant tissue at the end. It can feel natural and responsive. But for others, that same pressure could lead to pain or breakdown.

A total surface-bearing socket may feel like a gentle, supportive hug around your entire limb, helping you feel balanced and secure. But if it’s not fit just right, it can still lead to trouble. Precision matters in both cases.

That’s why working with a prosthetist who listens to you—really listens—is key.

Moving Forward With Confidence

We know this journey isn’t always easy. From the day of your amputation to the first time you stand with a prosthesis, there are doubts, fears, and frustrations. But you’re not alone in it.

At Robobionics, we’ve helped hundreds of individuals across India find comfort, function, and dignity through smart, personalized prosthetic care. Whether you’re looking for your first socket or considering a change, our team is here to help you every step of the way.

If you’re unsure which socket is right for you, start by talking to a prosthetist you trust. Ask questions. Try different options. And don’t settle for something that doesn’t feel right.

A socket isn’t just a piece of equipment. It’s part of how you return to the life you love.

Conclusion

Choosing between an end-bearing and a total surface-bearing socket isn’t about which one is better overall—it’s about which one works best for your body and your lifestyle. Each design has its strengths. What matters most is how it feels, how it supports you, and how it fits into your daily life.

The right socket should help you move freely, comfortably, and with confidence. It should support your goals, not hold you back. And it should feel like a natural part of you—not something you’re constantly adjusting or thinking about.

If you’re unsure where to start, talk to a qualified prosthetist. Try a demo. Ask questions. Be honest about how you feel. Your comfort, your freedom, and your independence are worth it.

At Robobionics, we’re here to help you make that choice with care and clarity—because you deserve a prosthesis that lets you live your life fully.

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Last updated: November 10, 2022

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Definitions

For the purposes of this Return and Refund Policy:

  • Company (referred to as either “the Company”, “Robo Bionics”, “We”, “Us” or “Our” in this Agreement) refers to Bionic Hope Private Limited, Pearl Haven, 1st Floor Kumbharwada, Manickpur Near St. Michael’s Church Vasai Road West, Palghar Maharashtra 401202.

  • Goods refer to the items offered for sale on the Website.

  • Orders mean a request by You to purchase Goods from Us.

  • Service refers to the Services Provided like Online Demo and Live Demo.

  • Website refers to Robo Bionics, accessible from https://robobionics.store

  • You means the individual accessing or using the Service, or the company, or other legal entity on behalf of which such individual is accessing or using the Service, as applicable.

Your Order Cancellation Rights

You are entitled to cancel Your Service Bookings within 7 days without giving any reason for doing so, before completion of Delivery.

The deadline for cancelling a Service Booking is 7 days from the date on which You received the Confirmation of Service.

In order to exercise Your right of cancellation, You must inform Us of your decision by means of a clear statement. You can inform us of your decision by:

  • By email: contact@robobionics.store

We will reimburse You no later than 7 days from the day on which We receive your request for cancellation, if above criteria is met. We will use the same means of payment as You used for the Service Booking, and You will not incur any fees for such reimbursement.

Please note in case you miss a Service Booking or Re-schedule the same we shall only entertain the request once.

Conditions For Returns

In order for the Goods to be eligible for a return, please make sure that:

  • The Goods were purchased in the last 14 days
  • The Goods are in the original packaging

The following Goods cannot be returned:

  • The supply of Goods made to Your specifications or clearly personalized.
  • The supply of Goods which according to their nature are not suitable to be returned, deteriorate rapidly or where the date of expiry is over.
  • The supply of Goods which are not suitable for return due to health protection or hygiene reasons and were unsealed after delivery.
  • The supply of Goods which are, after delivery, according to their nature, inseparably mixed with other items.

We reserve the right to refuse returns of any merchandise that does not meet the above return conditions in our sole discretion.

Only regular priced Goods may be refunded by 50%. Unfortunately, Goods on sale cannot be refunded. This exclusion may not apply to You if it is not permitted by applicable law.

Returning Goods

You are responsible for the cost and risk of returning the Goods to Us. You should send the Goods at the following:

  • the Prosthetic Limb Fitting Centre that they purchased the product from
  • email us at contact@robobionics.store with all the information and we shall provide you a mailing address in 3 days.

We cannot be held responsible for Goods damaged or lost in return shipment. Therefore, We recommend an insured and trackable courier service. We are unable to issue a refund without actual receipt of the Goods or proof of received return delivery.

Contact Us

If you have any questions about our Returns and Refunds Policy, please contact us:

  • By email: contact@robobionics.store

TERMS & CONDITIONS

Last Updated on: 1st Jan 2021

These Terms and Conditions (“Terms”) govern Your access to and use of the website, platforms, applications, products and services (ively, the “Services”) offered by Robo Bionics® (a registered trademark of Bionic Hope Private Limited, also used as a trade name), a company incorporated under the Companies Act, 2013, having its Corporate office at Pearl Heaven Bungalow, 1st Floor, Manickpur, Kumbharwada, Vasai Road (West), Palghar – 401202, Maharashtra, India (“Company”, “We”, “Us” or “Our”). By accessing or using the Services, You (each a “User”) agree to be bound by these Terms and all applicable laws and regulations. If You do not agree with any part of these Terms, You must immediately discontinue use of the Services.

1. DEFINITIONS

1.1 “Individual Consumer” means a natural person aged eighteen (18) years or above who registers to use Our products or Services following evaluation and prescription by a Rehabilitation Council of India (“RCI”)–registered Prosthetist.

1.2 “Entity Consumer” means a corporate organisation, nonprofit entity, CSR sponsor or other registered organisation that sponsors one or more Individual Consumers to use Our products or Services.

1.3 “Clinic” means an RCI-registered Prosthetics and Orthotics centre or Prosthetist that purchases products and Services from Us for fitment to Individual Consumers.

1.4 “Platform” means RehabConnect, Our online marketplace by which Individual or Entity Consumers connect with Clinics in their chosen locations.

1.5 “Products” means Grippy® Bionic Hand, Grippy® Mech, BrawnBand, WeightBand, consumables, accessories and related hardware.

1.6 “Apps” means Our clinician-facing and end-user software applications supporting Product use and data collection.

1.7 “Impact Dashboard™” means the analytics interface provided to CSR, NGO, corporate and hospital sponsors.

1.8 “Services” includes all Products, Apps, the Platform and the Impact Dashboard.

2. USER CATEGORIES AND ELIGIBILITY

2.1 Individual Consumers must be at least eighteen (18) years old and undergo evaluation and prescription by an RCI-registered Prosthetist prior to purchase or use of any Products or Services.

2.2 Entity Consumers must be duly registered under the laws of India and may sponsor one or more Individual Consumers.

2.3 Clinics must maintain valid RCI registration and comply with all applicable clinical and professional standards.

3. INTERMEDIARY LIABILITY

3.1 Robo Bionics acts solely as an intermediary connecting Users with Clinics via the Platform. We do not endorse or guarantee the quality, legality or outcomes of services rendered by any Clinic. Each Clinic is solely responsible for its professional services and compliance with applicable laws and regulations.

4. LICENSE AND INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

4.1 All content, trademarks, logos, designs and software on Our website, Apps and Platform are the exclusive property of Bionic Hope Private Limited or its licensors.

4.2 Subject to these Terms, We grant You a limited, non-exclusive, non-transferable, revocable license to use the Services for personal, non-commercial purposes.

4.3 You may not reproduce, modify, distribute, decompile, reverse engineer or create derivative works of any portion of the Services without Our prior written consent.

5. WARRANTIES AND LIMITATIONS

5.1 Limited Warranty. We warrant that Products will be free from workmanship defects under normal use as follows:
 (a) Grippy™ Bionic Hand, BrawnBand® and WeightBand®: one (1) year from date of purchase, covering manufacturing defects only.
 (b) Chargers and batteries: six (6) months from date of purchase.
 (c) Grippy Mech™: three (3) months from date of purchase.
 (d) Consumables (e.g., gloves, carry bags): no warranty.

5.2 Custom Sockets. Sockets fabricated by Clinics are covered only by the Clinic’s optional warranty and subject to physiological changes (e.g., stump volume, muscle sensitivity).

5.3 Exclusions. Warranty does not apply to damage caused by misuse, user negligence, unauthorised repairs, Acts of God, or failure to follow the Instruction Manual.

5.4 Claims. To claim warranty, You must register the Product online, provide proof of purchase, and follow the procedures set out in the Warranty Card.

5.5 Disclaimer. To the maximum extent permitted by law, all other warranties, express or implied, including merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose, are disclaimed.

6. DATA PROTECTION AND PRIVACY

6.1 We collect personal contact details, physiological evaluation data, body measurements, sensor calibration values, device usage statistics and warranty information (“User Data”).

6.2 User Data is stored on secure servers of our third-party service providers and transmitted via encrypted APIs.

6.3 By using the Services, You consent to collection, storage, processing and transfer of User Data within Our internal ecosystem and to third-party service providers for analytics, R&D and support.

6.4 We implement reasonable security measures and comply with the Information Technology Act, 2000, and Information Technology (Reasonable Security Practices and Procedures and Sensitive Personal Data or Information) Rules, 2011.

6.5 A separate Privacy Policy sets out detailed information on data processing, user rights, grievance redressal and cross-border transfers, which forms part of these Terms.

7. GRIEVANCE REDRESSAL

7.1 Pursuant to the Information Technology Rules, 2021, We have given the Charge of Grievance Officer to our QC Head:
 - Address: Grievance Officer
 - Email: support@robobionics.store
 - Phone: +91-8668372127

7.2 All support tickets and grievances must be submitted exclusively via the Robo Bionics Customer Support portal at https://robobionics.freshdesk.com/.

7.3 We will acknowledge receipt of your ticket within twenty-four (24) working hours and endeavour to resolve or provide a substantive response within seventy-two (72) working hours, excluding weekends and public holidays.

8. PAYMENT, PRICING AND REFUND POLICY

8.1 Pricing. Product and Service pricing is as per quotations or purchase orders agreed in writing.

8.2 Payment. We offer (a) 100% advance payment with possible incentives or (b) stage-wise payment plans without incentives.

8.3 Refunds. No refunds, except pro-rata adjustment where an Individual Consumer is medically unfit to proceed or elects to withdraw mid-stage, in which case unused stage fees apply.

9. USAGE REQUIREMENTS AND INDEMNITY

9.1 Users must follow instructions provided by RCI-registered professionals and the User Manual.

9.2 Users and Entity Consumers shall indemnify and hold Us harmless from all liabilities, claims, damages and expenses arising from misuse of the Products, failure to follow professional guidance, or violation of these Terms.

10. LIABILITY

10.1 To the extent permitted by law, Our total liability for any claim arising out of or in connection with these Terms or the Services shall not exceed the aggregate amount paid by You to Us in the twelve (12) months preceding the claim.

10.2 We shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, consequential or punitive damages, including loss of profit, data or goodwill.

11. MEDICAL DEVICE COMPLIANCE

11.1 Our Products are classified as “Rehabilitation Aids,” not medical devices for diagnostic purposes.

11.2 Manufactured under ISO 13485:2016 quality management and tested for electrical safety under IEC 60601-1 and IEC 60601-1-2.

11.3 Products shall only be used under prescription and supervision of RCI-registered Prosthetists, Physiotherapists or Occupational Therapists.

12. THIRD-PARTY CONTENT

We do not host third-party content or hardware. Any third-party services integrated with Our Apps are subject to their own terms and privacy policies.

13. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

13.1 All intellectual property rights in the Services and User Data remain with Us or our licensors.

13.2 Users grant Us a perpetual, irrevocable, royalty-free licence to use anonymised usage data for analytics, product improvement and marketing.

14. MODIFICATIONS TO TERMS

14.1 We may amend these Terms at any time. Material changes shall be notified to registered Users at least thirty (30) days prior to the effective date, via email and website notice.

14.2 Continued use of the Services after the effective date constitutes acceptance of the revised Terms.

15. FORCE MAJEURE

Neither party shall be liable for delay or failure to perform any obligation under these Terms due to causes beyond its reasonable control, including Acts of God, pandemics, strikes, war, terrorism or government regulations.

16. DISPUTE RESOLUTION AND GOVERNING LAW

16.1 All disputes shall be referred to and finally resolved by arbitration under the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996.

16.2 A sole arbitrator shall be appointed by Bionic Hope Private Limited or, failing agreement within thirty (30) days, by the Mumbai Centre for International Arbitration.

16.3 Seat of arbitration: Mumbai, India.

16.4 Governing law: Laws of India.

16.5 Courts at Mumbai have exclusive jurisdiction over any proceedings to enforce an arbitral award.

17. GENERAL PROVISIONS

17.1 Severability. If any provision is held invalid or unenforceable, the remainder shall remain in full force.

17.2 Waiver. No waiver of any breach shall constitute a waiver of any subsequent breach of the same or any other provision.

17.3 Assignment. You may not assign your rights or obligations without Our prior written consent.

By accessing or using the Products and/or Services of Bionic Hope Private Limited, You acknowledge that You have read, understood and agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions.