Examples from everyday life
Our users report on their experiences with the exomotion® product family
Markus is 30 years old, lives in Möckmühl near Heilbronn, and has brachial plexus palsy. The paralysis was caused by birth trauma and primarily affects his left arm and left hand. Markus has reduced sensation throughout his arm, and he lacks the strength to hold objects for longer periods or release them in a controlled way. As a result, everyday situations were repeatedly difficult or stressful, such as cutting bread rolls, carrying shopping bags, or completing tasks that require both hands. Before his current living situation, Markus lived alone for eight years and had to manage many everyday challenges on his own.
More possibilities in everyday life
With the exomotion® hand one, he can now use his left hand more actively in various situations. For example, he can carry shopping bags into the apartment more independently, drink something while playing video games, or serve coffee to guests. Markus particularly appreciates the different grip patterns because they provide him with several possible applications in everyday life.
Markus became aware of HKK Bionics in connection with REHACARE. When he found out more, he was deeply moved because he had not realized until then what technical possibilities already existed. He then looked on the website for an orthopedic specialist provider near him and came to the fitting process through Sanitätshaus Seitz. Markus found the operation of the exomotion® hand one very intuitive. After just a few minutes during the screening, he already did not want to take the orthosis off again.
A special moment: Feeding the turtles
One everyday experience is especially important to Markus: being able to help his girlfriend feed the turtles with both hands. What may sound small means a great deal of independence and quality of life to him. Markus also says that the exomotion® hand one gives him more inner calm in everyday life because many situations become easier and he can involve his left hand more effectively.
Matthias is 49 years old, lives with his husband and his dog in Bad Segeberg, and suffered a stroke. His right side was affected: his hand, arm, leg, and initially also his speech no longer functioned. Many abilities have since returned, which Matthias is very grateful for. What remains are limitations in his right arm and right hand, which make everyday life more difficult — for example when opening doors, cooking, or driving. He is also no longer able to work in his profession as a groundskeeper. Even so, it is important to him to be able to do more things independently again and regain greater independence.
Greater independence through natural grip options
Matthias learned about HKK Bionics and the exomotion® hand one through the medical supply store Stolle in Hamburg. He particularly appreciates the natural grip options of the hand orthosis. They help him perform movements that are important in everyday life and feel familiar. For example, he can open doors, hold a pan while cooking, or carry a laundry basket with both hands. Activities that were not possible immediately after the stroke can now be better integrated into Matthias’ daily life again — allowing him to regain a significant degree of independence.
Easy operation and small moments with great meaning
Matthias was able to learn how to operate the exomotion® hand one quickly. He finds it especially practical that the sensor is not permanently installed in his case, but can be positioned as needed. This allows the orthosis to be flexibly adapted to different everyday situations. In addition to the practical benefits, there is one particularly special moment for Matthias: being able to give his dog treats again while holding the toy in his other hand. What may sound small means a great deal of quality of life to him and shows just how important independence in everyday life truly is.
Ines Fanta-Baumann is 41 years old and lives in Lunestedt. A formative turning point in her life occurred in 2018: a stroke, triggered by a clotting disorder, left her entire left side paralyzed—especially her hand. Suddenly, tasks that once seemed trivial became insurmountable obstacles: folding blankets, making beds, folding laundry, cutting vegetables—everyday things that turned into a struggle.
But there was a moment that brought her new light. At the IRMA trade fair in Hamburg, Ines encountered the exomotion® hand one for the first time. This technological innovation was not merely a product, but a glimpse of change; a promise that there might be a way back to daily life.
An Orthosis That Makes Movement Possible
After the stroke, Ines’s daily life changed fundamentally: cooking or slicing fruit became a challenge. It wasn’t only strength that was missing, but control and connection to her own body.
The exomotion® hand one changed that: A sensor on the thumb muscle responds to the slightest impulses—tensing closes the hand, relaxing opens it. Suddenly, Ines feels air between her fingers again and can actively grasp.
She reclaims ordinary daily steps: cutting vegetables, folding laundry, making beds.
One of her personal highlights: “Lifting a crate of cola from the shopping cart into the car.” A small victory, but one of great significance.
Confidence and a View Toward a Self-Determined Future
Ines sees her progress as a sign of great hope. She doesn’t dream of the impossible, but of life as it once was: more independent, self-reliant, without needing help from others. “With the orthosis, I will definitely make it,” she says.
For her, this orthosis is more than just an aid—it represents self-determination. It gives her not only back movement, but control over her own life. Piece by piece, she is reclaiming her everyday: making beds, cooking, housekeeping, shopping—soon perhaps also walks and interactions with fewer limitations.
Her story shows: when technology and human being combine, hope becomes tangible. Her message to anyone facing something similar: don’t give up. Every grasp, every move matters. The path may be slow—but it is worth it.
Michael Berger is 57 years old and has been living with tetraplegia since a swimming accident in 1992 – since then, his hands and legs have been completely paralyzed. Originally from Berlin, Michael has lived near Hamburg since 1999. Before his accident, he worked as a roofer, but has been retired ever since. He lives alone, but is supported around the clock by an assistant. Despite all limitations, Michael has always placed great value on remaining as independent as possible. However, many daily tasks like eating, drinking, or picking up objects were, for a long time, only possible with help and often only with great effort. The key moment came when he visited the IRMA trade fair in Hamburg with his assistant. There, he discovered the exomotion® hand one hand orthosis by chance and was able to try it out right away. For Michael, this marked the beginning of a new, more active phase of life.
More Independence Thanks to the Hand Orthosis
The supply of the exomotion® hand one was quick and straightforward via Sanitätshaus Stolle in Hamburg—just six months after the first trial, Michael was holding the hand orthosis in his hands—or more accurately, wearing it on his arm. He is particularly enthusiastic about how easy it was to learn how to use the orthosis: after less than two weeks, he was able to use it fully in his daily life. Since then, he has experienced how much difference a suitable assistive device can make: finally, eating and drinking with just one hand is possible, and things no longer spill constantly—before, a second hand was always needed, but Michael was hardly able to move it purposefully. The hand orthosis has opened up new possibilities for him. Many daily activities—such as holding cutlery, opening packaging, and even holding a glass—now work much more reliably and give him back a piece of autonomy. The relief in everyday life is clearly noticeable for Michael and sustainably improves his quality of life.
Shopping Independently and Inspiring Others
His personal highlight with the exomotion® hand one is being able to shop on his own. Previously, he relied on his assistant to hand him products from the shelves – now, he can reach for and pick up groceries himself. This gives him not only more freedom, but also a new sense of self-determination. After 34 years without a truly helpful assistive device, Michael experiences this new level of everyday confidence as a real gain. He is especially proud of how his perception of his hands has changed: as a sign of this, he had a matching motif tattooed on his arm. Michael recommends other affected individuals to be open to technical assistive devices and to actively try new possibilities. His experience shows: modern hand orthoses like the exomotion® hand one are not just practical support in daily life, but also strengthen self-confidence and overall zest for life. Thanks to such aids, many everyday challenges can be managed more easily, and new perspectives on life can be gained.
Kay is 50 years old, lives in Osnabrück, and was diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). Since then, nothing has been taken for granted: his hand strength is steadily decreasing, making many everyday activities – like setting down a glass or picking up a pillow – a real challenge. Even tasks that were once handled effortlessly are now hardly possible without help. Still, from the very beginning it was clear to Kay that he wanted to remain as independent as possible for as long as possible. In our user interview, he openly shares how ALS affects his life and which strategies and everyday tips help him to actively shape his daily routine despite all limitations.
Through his own research, he came across the exomotion® hand one and then received it through the medical supply store Mitschke.
New Opportunities with the exomotion® hand one GEN2
Since September 2025, Kay has been using the exomotion® hand one GEN2 hand orthosis. This innovative device has given him a new level of independence: now, when cooking, he can again hold packages, safely lift and set down glasses, or even carry the laundry basket. Kay especially emphasizes how much quality of life it brings to regain simple routines – all those small maneuvers that are often only recognized as valuable when they are suddenly no longer possible.
His personal highlight is finally being able to reach out and shake his friend’s hand again – a gesture that stands for closeness, connection, and social participation, and which has become second nature again thanks to the exomotion® hand one GEN2.
Encouragement and Everyday Tips for Those Affected
Kay has experienced firsthand how targeted support through modern aids like the exomotion® hand one GEN2 can make everyday life easier and strengthen emotional well-being. For him, using the hand orthosis means more independence, new freedom in his daily life, and the possibility of actively participating in life despite ALS. He emphasizes the importance of never giving up and of making the most of one’s possibilities. To others in a similar situation,
Kay has a clear message: “Never give up!” – because with innovative solutions like the exomotion® hand one GEN2, it is possible to preserve a great deal of quality of life and independence and to actively shape everyday life once again.
Kjeld Böge, 25, from Dassendorf, suffered a stroke after a motorcycle accident in 2017 and has been living with hemiparesis on his left side ever since. His arm and hand are particularly affected – active opening and grasping are no longer possible.
During rehabilitation, Kjeld was introduced to the exomotion® hand one, a modern, individually fitted hand orthosis that specifically supports gripping function in daily life. From the very beginning, this was a glimmer of hope for him to regain more independence. Since August 2024, he has been using the orthosis daily and is experiencing noticeable progress in his everyday life – from routine handling to playing games with his family.
Experiencing everyday life anew: Kjeld’s personal progress with exomotion® hand one
Before getting the device, Kjeld was often limited in his daily life and dependent on help; many activities were only possible with one hand, or not at all. The exomotion® hand one marked a turning point for him: gripping, holding, carrying, and playing together are now possible again. He also benefits professionally, as he can now safely lift objects and feels more engaged in his work. Kjeld particularly emphasizes the intuitive active control, which allows him to use his hand deliberately and independently structure his daily routine.
His goal: To one day be able to tinker with his motorcycle using both hands again.
New perspectives on independence and quality of life with exomotion® hand one
In the long term, the regular use of the orthosis improves his motor skills and autonomy, giving him new courage for life. With exomotion® hand one, those affected can gain real opportunities for greater independence. Kjeld considers this an investment in his own future. His experiences show: Everyday life can once again become more fulfilling and self-determined, bringing new goals within reach.
His personal highlight with the orthosis: “I was able to put the large wood blocks back onto the chopping block.”
Tatjana is 35 years old and suffered plexus paralysis in her left arm due to birth trauma. Due to this paralysis, she has severe restrictions in everyday life. Her left arm is difficult to move, her hand can't be opened to grasp things, and her fingertips feel is very poor. Due to the heavy strain on her healthy side, Tatjana is already feeling the first signs of wear and tear in her right arm.
Tatjana was fitted with the exomotion® hand one hand orthosis at the beginning of December 2022. For the first time in 35 years, Tatjana is able to hold on to objects such as a water bottle. It is also much easier for her to use a pepper mill now, as it now sits firmly in her hand and can be turned with the other hand...
Heavy pots are much easier to hold and, most importantly, carry. Ambidextrous activities in general are now finally possible for Tatjana. Tasks that used to be very cumbersome for Tatjana and therefore took a very long time, she can now do in half the time.
Tatjana got used to the exomotion® hand one very quickly. She herself says that the handling and operation of the myoelectric hand orthosis is very simple. For the future, she hopes that she will be able to clearly feel the relief of her healthy right arm and thus rule out possible health problems.
The coolest move with the hand brace so far was for Tatjana when she pinched her boyfriend's ear.
Claire has an arteriovenous malformation. Since she was 12 years old, she has been paralyzed on one side and can no longer use her right hand. Activities that require both hands are difficult for her, such as putting toothpaste on the toothbrush, opening the bottle, opening the door, keeping the dog on a leash, cutting bread, plugging and unplugging headphones, opening the wallet and taking out the debit card or money, as well as holding and signing paper.
Due to the one-sided load, the healthy half of the body is overstrained, as it cannot be spared, this leads to recurrent tennis elbow (epicondylitis) in Claire...
At the beginning of November 2023, Claire was fitted with exomotion® hand one, since then she has been aware of her hand more and has not forgotten the paralyzed side (reintegration). After each grip with the hand orthosis, this feeling becomes stronger. Using your hand again in everyday life to grasp and hold on to "little things" such as objects gives her back a lot of quality of life and makes her feel great. The first thing she did was to use the hand brace to Facetime and eat at the same time.
Due to various other illnesses, Claire is dependent on a gastric tube, which needs daily care, here too the task with the hand orthosis will be easier for her in the future...
Claire chose the exomotion® hand one because she is convinced of technical aids, she has several aids in use and liked to try out everything that could help her in everyday life. For Claire, the handling of the hand orthosis and the associated control unit was unusual at the beginning, it took about a week for her to get used to it and no longer have to look at the control unit to check the signal.
In the future, Claire wants to be able to feel and use both hands again, because she can't remember what it was like when her paralyzed hand was still healthy.
Helmut was on his way home from work on his motorcycle. Suddenly, everything happened very quickly and he had an accident. In the process, his brachial plexus ruptured - whereupon his left arm was paralyzed.
His left hand was paralyzed, and everyday activities that were once taken for granted became a major challenge. Helmut was on the verge of having his paralyzed hand amputated. Thanks to the exomotion® hand one, Helmut had an alternative. With his orthosis, he has found an impressive way back to more independence.
Helmut was provided with the exomotion® hand one in 2020. He can now go back to some of his favorite pastimes, such as tinkering with motorcycles and gardening. Even things in the household are easier for him with the hand orthosis.
Elias has suffered left-sided paralysis due to a traumatic brain injury and thus limitations on the left side of his body. With the custom-made exomotion® passive hand fitting parts, Elias has been given a great solution for everyday life, which helps him to use his hand again despite his spasticity.
Before his treatment, his healthy right side of his body was put under a lot of strain. Elias did everyday things exclusively with his right hand and he had a hard time with two-handed activities.
In 2021, Elias was fitted with the hand orthosis, since then his right hand has been relieved by the use of the left hand in everyday life and ambidextrous activities can be carried out again. Elias particularly likes the future-oriented design of the hand orthosis.
Elias opted for the custom-made version with the exomotion® passive hand fitting parts and against a positioning orthosis because he wanted to use his hand for gripping in everyday life – this is not possible with a positioning orthosis.
Basically, Elias hand orthosis helps to open the fingers, which makes it easier to grasp and release objects. For example, he can perform gross motor movements such as opening doors, carrying baskets and bags, drinking from bottles/glasses, climbing and fine motor movements such as holding pens and buttons/controls.
Elias was able to get used to the hand brace very quickly, after less than two days putting it on, taking it off and using it became routine.
The best thing Elias has done with the hand brace so far is to be able to climb better and pour himself a drink into a glass and drink directly from it.
Thanks to the mechanical hand orthosis, it is possible for him to DJ – by using both hands. Without the aid, the pursuit of the hobby would not be possible.
Even at his wedding, the hand orthosis could not be missing.