Making Bionics Affordable and Accessible in India

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Introduction

In recent years, technological advancements have revolutionized the field of prosthetics and bionics, offering life-changing solutions for individuals with limb loss or physical disabilities. However, despite the remarkable progress, the high cost and limited accessibility of bionic devices have posed significant challenges for many people in India. In this article, we will explore the importance of making bionics affordable and accessible in India and discuss potential solutions to address this issue.

1. The Significance of Bionics in India

Bionics refers to the development of artificial body parts that can mimic the functionality of natural limbs. These technological marvels have the potential to enhance the quality of life for individuals who have lost limbs due to accidents, medical conditions, or congenital disabilities. By providing mobility and independence, bionic devices empower people to participate fully in society, pursue their goals, and lead fulfilling lives.

2. The Current Challenges

Despite the immense benefits of bionics, the high cost of these devices remains a significant barrier to accessibility in India. Advanced technologies, intricate engineering, and limited production scale contribute to the elevated prices, making them unaffordable for a large portion of the population. Moreover, the lack of awareness and knowledge about available options further restricts access to bionic solutions.

3. Addressing Affordability

a. Government Initiatives

The Indian government can play a crucial role in making bionics affordable. By introducing subsidies, grants, or financial assistance programs, they can alleviate the financial burden for individuals in need of bionic devices. Collaborations with research institutions and private companies can also promote the development of cost-effective alternatives without compromising quality.

b. Insurance Coverage

Expanding health insurance coverage to include bionic devices would significantly improve accessibility. Insurance policies that cover the costs of prosthetics and bionics can relieve financial strain for patients, making these advanced technologies more accessible to a broader population.

c. Non-Profit Organizations and NGOs

Non-profit organizations and NGOs can work towards sourcing funds and establishing partnerships to provide bionic devices to those in need. By leveraging their networks and raising awareness, they can facilitate access to affordable bionics, ensuring that no one is left behind.

4. Enhancing Awareness and Education

Increasing awareness about bionics and its benefits is crucial for ensuring accessibility. Educational campaigns, workshops, and seminars can be organized to inform healthcare professionals, patients, and the general public about the availability and advancements in bionic technology. By bridging the knowledge gap, individuals can make informed decisions and explore suitable options for their specific needs.

5. Promoting Research and Development

Investing in research and development is essential for driving innovation and reducing the cost of bionic devices. Encouraging collaboration between academia, industry experts, and government agencies can lead to the development of affordable, locally-produced bionics. This not only benefits individuals in India but also creates opportunities for export and global collaborations.

Conclusion

Making bionics affordable and accessible in India is of paramount importance to ensure that individuals with limb loss or physical disabilities can benefit from these life-changing technologies. By addressing affordability through government initiatives, insurance coverage, and collaborations with non-profit organizations, and by enhancing awareness and education, we can bridge the accessibility gap. Additionally, by promoting research and development, we can drive innovation, lower costs, and pave the way for a future where bionics are readily available to all, transforming lives and empowering individuals across the nation.

Grippy by Robo Bionics is one such Bionic Hand that incorporates Sensory Feedback through Haptic Technology with MMG Control. Another Unique Proposition that Robo Bionics has to offer is its seamless booking system, where you can schedule appointments and even request a pick-up and drop facility and check-out stays near the Clinic to ensure that your experience is made comfortable

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Keywords: Sensory feedback, prosthetics, rehabilitation technology, mobility, independence, neural interfaces, haptic technology, myoelectric control, artificial limbs, brain-machine interfaces, amputation, spinal cord injury

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REFUNDS AND CANCELLATIONS

Last updated: November 10, 2022

Thank you for shopping at Robo Bionics.

If, for any reason, You are not completely satisfied with a purchase We invite You to review our policy on refunds and returns.

The following terms are applicable for any products that You purchased with Us.

Interpretation And Definitions

Interpretation

The words of which the initial letter is capitalized have meanings defined under the following conditions. The following definitions shall have the same meaning regardless of whether they appear in singular or in plural.

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.