Sep 9, 2026
100th Veteran Fitted: Bioservo’s Carbonhand® Restores Independence for Veterans via Partnership with VA
Bioservo, a worldwide leader in soft extra muscle technology, announced a major clinical milestone: 100 veterans fitted with the Carbonhand®, a smart and intuitive grip-strengthening glove, through its partnership with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
The motor-driven device provides extra strength and endurance, offering a life-changing difference for individuals living with hand weakness from Spinal Cord Injury (SCI), Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), Multiple Sclerosis (MS), stroke, and orthopedic injuries such as fractures, nerve damage, brachial plexus injury, or rheumatic diseases.
Bioservo estimates up to 2.5 million Americans can benefit from Carbonhand, including up to 250,000 veterans, as it grows its distribution and service.
"I’ve met veterans at their breaking point, seriously considering amputation because they felt they had no other option to regain independence,” said Fredrik Ostrom, Bioservo Vice President of U.S. Operations and Veterans Affairs. ”They had researched robotic alternatives, but the cost was prohibitive, and knew they would lose the sensation needed to do something as essential as holding their child. Carbonhand restores not just function, but the human connection – the ability to touch and feel – that they feared was lost forever. We’re grateful for our partnership with VA to help veterans reclaim their daily lives.”
Ideal for veterans living with neuromuscular disorders or orthopedic injuries, Carbonhand is a revolutionary assistive device introduced in the U.S. in 2024, currently available by prescription through VA Medical Centers (VAMC).
To ensure a personalized experience, the Bluetooth-connected Bioservo App empowers clinicians and veterans to customize the Carbonhand’s performance across multiple preset profiles – adjusting key parameters like maximum force, responsiveness, grip stickiness, and palm sensor sensitivity to easily manage diverse daily activities.
This smart digital customization is backed by Bioservo's comprehensive, end-to-end clinical lifecycle support, which guides VA medical teams and veterans from initial patient screening and clinical evaluations through hands-on trials powered by 90-day Clinical Demo Kit loans under the Carbonhand Center of Excellence training program.
The support culminates in personalized, on-site custom fittings and glove calibrations conducted alongside local therapists, followed by dedicated monthly representative check-ins for hardware optimization, clinical support, and firmware updates.
Real-World Impact: 100 Veterans Served and Counting
Reaching 100 veterans served reflects the success and sustained daily use by patients across the country. For example, Bioservo patient Terry Knight, a U.S. Army veteran based in Western Washington, struggled with mobility in his right hand until he began using the Carbonhand. The device has since allowed him to return to daily tasks.
"Before, if I was going to grab a bottle, I'd have to help push it into my hand and then put my finger under it. Now, I'm back to using one hand," said Terry Knight. "So, with the Carbonhand I have freedom, self-reliance again, and the ability to do things I haven't been able to do in a long time. Being able to have something that gives back some of your function is priceless."
Expanding Clinical Reach to 250,000 Veterans In America
Today’s announcement follows on the heels of Bioservo’s exhibitorship at Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA) 14th Annual Healthcare Summit + Expo, Aug. 30-Sept. 2 in Las Vegas, which brought together leading researchers and technology innovators to support those caring for individuals with spinal cord injury/disease (SCI/D), MS, and ALS.
The milestone also highlights rapidly accelerating U.S. adoption across Bioservo’s network of more than 40 VAMCs nationwide, including VA facilities in California, Texas, Florida, Virginia, and Washington, D.C.
“Our mission is to empower individuals with impaired hand function to live more independent, confident, and self-sufficient lives," said Petter Bäckgren, CEO of Bioservo. “That we’ve done that for so many veterans, with thousands more to serve, is a testament to the technology and humans behind it. We’re grateful for our partnership with VA and look forward to the day when every veteran in America who needs a Carbonhand has one.”
How Veterans and Caregivers Can Access This Life-changing Device
Step 1: Request a Clinical Evaluation
Veterans or caregivers can begin by scheduling an evaluation at their local VA Medical Center.
Step 2: Review Eligible Conditions
The smart and intuitive grip-strengthening glove is intended for individuals experiencing hand weakness or impaired grip strength caused by Spinal Cord Injury (SCI), Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), Multiple Sclerosis (MS), stroke, or orthopedic injuries (including nerve damage, fractures, brachial plexus injuries, and rheumatic diseases).
Step 3: Obtain a Prescription
Carbonhand is a prescription assistive device available across VAMCs. A VA clinician, such as an occupational therapist, will conduct an evaluation to determine candidate eligibility.
Step 4: Fitting and Custom Calibration
Following device order and delivery, a Bioservo representative or trained VA clinician completes a custom fitting and calibration. This process ensures proper adjustment to finger length and fine-tunes pressure sensors and tailored movement profiles to support specific daily routines, such as holding utensils, dressing, grooming, or carrying bags.
Veterans and healthcare providers can access Carbonhand through existing clinical networks:
• For Veterans and Caregivers: Request a clinical evaluation at a local VAMC or discover more at bioservo.com/us/for-veterans.
• For VA Clinicians: Access clinical demonstrations and patient case study videos at bioservo.com/us/carbonhand-materials/videos.
About Bioservo
Bioservo is a global leader in wearable muscle-strengthening systems, dedicated to improving the quality of life for individuals who need extra strength and endurance. With U.S. operations headquartered in Dallas, Texas, Bioservo is a committed partner serving the military and veteran community. Through Bioservo's expanding network of federal partnerships with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, the company's innovative products, including the Carbonhand, empower patients and veterans to regain independence and manage their daily lives with confidence. For more information, please visit bioservo.com/us.
About Carbonhand
Carbonhand® by Bioservo is a cutting-edge assistive glove designed to strengthen grip and improve hand function for individuals with limited strength. Using smart sensors and motorized assistance, Carbonhand provides the extra power needed for a secure and controlled grip. The device enables users to perform everyday tasks with greater ease, independence, and confidence.
